grapple
[ grap-uhl ]
/ ˈgræp əl /
verb (used without object), grap·pled, grap·pling.
verb (used with object), grap·pled, grap·pling.
to seize, hold, or fasten with or as with a grapple.
to seize in a grip, take hold of: The thug grappled him around the neck.
noun
QUIZZES
BEAT THE DOLDRUMS WITH THIS WORD OF THE DAY QUIZ!
We know you’ll tackle this quiz totis viribus! See how many words from the week of Oct 12–18, 2020 you get right!
Question 1 of 7
What does “Indigenous” mean?
Origin of grapple
1520–30; apparently a frequentative of Old English gegrǣppian to seize; associated with grapnel
OTHER WORDS FROM grapple
grappler, nounin·ter·grap·ple, verb, in·ter·grap·pled, in·ter·grap·pling.un·grap·pled, adjectiveWords nearby grapple
-graphy, grapnel, grappa, Grappelli, grappier cement, grapple, grapple ground, grapple plant, grapple shot, grappling, grappling iron
Dictionary.com Unabridged
Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2020
Example sentences from the Web for grapple
British Dictionary definitions for grapple
grapple
/ (ˈɡræpəl) /
verb
to come to grips with (one or more persons), esp to struggle in hand-to-hand combat
(intr foll by with) to cope or contendto grapple with a financial problem
(tr) to secure with a grapple
noun
any form of hook or metal instrument by which something is secured, such as a grapnel
- the act of gripping or seizing, as in wrestling
- a grip or hold
a contest of grappling, esp a wrestling match
Derived forms of grapple
grappler, nounWord Origin for grapple
C16: from Old French grappelle a little hook, from grape hook; see grapnel
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