1. To attempt to reach something or some place in a jostling, tumultuous hurry or panic. Shoppers flooded the shop during its huge sale, scrambling for anything they could get their hands on. Everyone scrambled for the exits when the fire alarm went off.

2. To attempt to achieve, acquire, or secure something in a great rush or panic. After the huge success of the innovative new product, tons of other companies have been scrambling for their own version. We were left scrambling for a new general manager after Tom resigned very suddenly.