tussle

[tuhs-uhl]

verb (used without object)

tussled, tussling 

1. to struggle or fight roughly or vigorously; wrestle; scuffle.

noun

1. a rough physical contest or struggle; scuffle.

2. any vigorous or determined struggle, conflict, etc..

   I had quite a tussle with that chemistry exam.

tussle

/ ˈtʌsəl /

verb

1. (intr) to fight or wrestle in a vigorous way; struggle

noun

1. a vigorous fight; scuffle; struggle

Word History and Origins

Origin of tussle¹

1425–75; late Middle English (north and Scots ) tusillen, derivative ( -le ) of tusen to touse

Word History and Origins

Origin of tussle¹

C15: related to Old High German zūsen ; see _tousle

Example Sentences

As humans tussle over the land, the eagles continue to do their thing.

From Los Angeles Times

This is not the first time the tussle over foreign aid funding has ended up at the Supreme Court.

From BBC

While politicians and officials continue to tussle, many Cambodians displaced by the fighting have still not gone home, despite grim conditions in the temporary camps they were moved to.

From BBC

This tussle gets to the heart of our politics right now - and in the coming months, even years.

From BBC

The deal marks a major development in the years-long tussle between organized labor and Silicon Valley companies over how California approaches workers rights for independent contractors.

From Los Angeles Times

Related Words

• brawl 
• fray 
• free-for-all 
• scuffle 
• skirmish 
• strife