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View synonyms for

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 by with ):

    He was grappling with a boy twice his size.

  5. to try to overcome or deal (usually followed by with ):

    to grapple with a problem.

    Synonyms: , , , ,



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

/ ˈɡæə /

verb

  1. to come to grips with (one or more persons), esp to struggle in hand-to-hand combat
  2. intrfoll bywith to cope or contend

    to grapple with a financial problem

  3. tr to secure with a grapple
“Collins English Dictionary — Complete & Unabridged” 2012 Digital Edition © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012

noun

  1. any form of hook or metal instrument by which something is secured, such as a grapnel
    1. the act of gripping or seizing, as in wrestling
    2. a grip or hold
  2. a contest of grappling, esp a wrestling match
“Collins English Dictionary — Complete & Unabridged” 2012 Digital Edition © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012
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Derived Forms

  • ˈ, noun
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Other Word Forms

  • p noun
  • t·p verb intergrappled intergrappling
  • ܲ·p adjective
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Word History and Origins

Origin of grapple1

1520–30; apparently a frequentative of Old English 𲵰ǣ辱 to seize; associated with grapnel
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Word History and Origins

Origin of grapple1

C16: from Old French grappelle a little hook, from grape hook; see grapnel
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Example Sentences

Examples have not been reviewed.

The Swedish government has proposed new legislation that would allow police to wiretap children under the age of 15 in an attempt to grapple with the problem.

From

"The apology that they've given I don't think has grappled enough with the gravity of what they said," added Mr Cox.

From

As the NHS grapples with the population's acute care needs, funding for preventative measures has been cut.

From

In these tough times, as we grapple with saving America itself, it is important to note progress and victories.

From

American tech firms grappled with more uncertainty Monday, left to decipher whether they could rely on a tariff exemption for businesses key to the U.S. economy.

From

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