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

But their effort arguably better highlights some Democrats’ rightward shift on immigration policy and inability to grapple with political polarization, which has all but killed bipartisanship.

From Salon

As the search for Kirk's killer continued, and people debated possible motivations behind the shooting of the conservative firebrand, both sides of the political spectrum grappled with the potential for violence.

From BBC

It has had to grapple with supply chain issues, steep price points and order delays.

From Los Angeles Times

Last Thursday, JLR instructed staff to stay at home until at least Tuesday as it continued to grapple with the fallout from the cyber attack.

From BBC

A man who was stabbed in the leg as he grappled with the Southport killer told a public inquiry his scars served as a "daily reminder" of the ordeal.

From BBC

Related Words

• confront 
• contend 
• cope 
• deal with