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

He described how he "tussled" with the man, who was shouting at him as he slashed him on the head and hand.

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Mr Crean described how he "tussled" with the man who was shouting at him as he slashed him on the head and hand.

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In 2023, another ugly tussle led to Disney channels being dropped from Charter’s Spectrum service for 10 days.

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US chip giant Nvidia has been caught in the middle of that geopolitical tussle.

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But according to Prof Raianu, the tussle highlights a very real dilemma for the group.

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Related Words

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