grapple

[grap-uhl]

verb (used without object)

grappled, grappling 

1. to hold or make fast to something, as with a grapple.

2. to use a grapple.

3. to seize another, or each other, in a firm grip, as in wrestling; clinch.

4. to engage in a struggle or close encounter (usually followed bywith ).

   He was grappling with a boy twice his size.

5. to try to overcome or deal (usually followed bywith ).

   to grapple with a problem.

   Synonyms: tussle, cope, wrestle, contend, struggle

verb (used with object)

grappled, grappling 

1. to seize, hold, or fasten with or as with a grapple.

2. to seize in a grip, take hold of.

   The thug grappled him around the neck.

noun

1. a hook or an iron instrument by which one thing, as a ship, fastens onto another; grapnel.

2. a seizing or gripping.

3. a grip or close hold in wrestling or hand-to-hand fighting.

4. a close, hand-to-hand fight.

grapple

/ ˈɡræpəl /

verb

1. to come to grips with (one or more persons), esp to struggle in hand-to-hand combat

2. to cope or contend

   to grapple with a financial problem

3. (tr) to secure with a grapple

noun

1. any form of hook or metal instrument by which something is secured, such as a grapnel

2. 1. the act of gripping or seizing, as in wrestling

   2. a grip or hold

3. a contest of grappling, esp a wrestling match

Other Word Forms

• grappler noun
• intergrapple verb
• ungrappled adjective

Word History and Origins

Origin of grapple¹

1520–30; apparently a frequentative of Old English gegrǣppian to seize; associated with grapnel

Word History and Origins

Origin of grapple¹

C16: from Old French grappelle a little hook, from grape hook; see _grapnel

Example Sentences

“I love that ‘Downton Abbey’ is grappling with these things that movies on that level never grapple with — the idea of characters aging.

From Los Angeles Times

The pay-outs came as the city council grappled with ongoing budget cuts and attempts to save money.

From BBC

“And that is really the question that the market will start to grapple with next.”

From Los Angeles Times

Such confrontations are becoming frequent in Delhi and many Indian cities as civic authorities grapple with a fast-growing population of stray dogs.

From BBC

This fiery debut from the Pulitzer Prize-winning playwright grapples with April’s anguished question: “How, God? How could love look like leaving?”

From Los Angeles Times

Related Words

• confront 
• contend 
• cope 
• deal with