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View synonyms for

wrestle

[ res-uhl ]

verb (used without object)

wrestled, wrestling.
  1. to engage in wrestling.
  2. to contend, as in a struggle for mastery; grapple:

    to wrestle with one's conscience.



verb (used with object)

wrestled, wrestling.
  1. to contend with in wrestling.
  2. to force by or as if by wrestling.
  3. to throw (a calf or other animal) for branding.

noun

  1. an act of or a bout at wrestling.
  2. a struggle.

wrestle

/ ˈɛə /

verb

  1. to fight (another person) by holding, throwing, etc, without punching with the closed fist
  2. intr to participate in wrestling
  3. whenintr, foll by with or against to fight with (a person, problem, or thing)

    wrestle with one's conscience

  4. tr to move laboriously, as with wrestling movements
  5. tr to throw (an animal) for branding
“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. the act of wrestling
  2. a struggle or tussle
“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

  • ˈɰٱ, noun
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Other Word Forms

  • ɰt noun
  • dzܳwt verb (used with object) outwrestled outwrestling
  • ܲ·ɰt adjective
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Word History and Origins

Origin of wrestle1

before 1100; Middle English wrestlen, wrastlen (v.), Old English *ɰǣٱ (compare Old English ɰǣٱ wrestler), frequentative of ɰǣٲ to wrest; cognate with Middle Dutch, Middle Low German worstelen
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Word History and Origins

Origin of wrestle1

Old English ɰæٱ; related to Middle Dutch wrastelen (Dutch worstelen ), Old Norse rost current, race
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Example Sentences

Examples have not been reviewed.

For the next day, as I wrestled with whether to stay or to go, I contemplated my mother’s influence.

From

Even with the support of her colleagues, Munn wrestled with other challenges on a show that often depicts her character in intimate situations.

From

Bunting, nicknamed 'Bullet', reeled off the next three legs and even though Aspinall remained in touch he was unable to wrestle back the momentum.

From

Rather than feeling fearful about the US tariff, Robinsons Brothers reckons it may help the West Bromwich-based organic chemicals firm wrestle back American customers from cheaper overseas rivals.

From

It was a fair question, one both creators wrestled with.

From

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