grapple

American  

[grap-uhl] / ˈgræp əl /

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

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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 British  

/ 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

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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

Etymology

Origin of grapple

1520–30; apparently a frequentative of Old English gegrǣppian to seize; associated with grapnel

Example Sentences

"We desperately need more of these land-to-ocean connection studies if we're to fully grapple with the problem of global warming and the effects it will have on coastal ecosystems."

From Science Daily • Apr. 4, 2026

As Europe begins to grapple with its need for greater growth, the question is whether its current energy policy can support necessary reindustrialization while meeting the massive power demands of a burgeoning AI economy.

From The Wall Street Journal • Mar. 23, 2026

Joanna Fabicon, who has lectured on contemporary children’s literature at UCLA, added that educators, librarians and publishers must all grapple with the allegations against Chávez and decide how to move forward.

From Los Angeles Times • Mar. 23, 2026

Evloev was predicted to grapple with Murphy but it was not until the third round, with the Briton gaining the upper hand in the striking, that he attempted his first takedown.

From BBC • Mar. 21, 2026

I can’t grapple for it, because if I do it will all spill out.

From "Dry" by Neal Shusterman and Jarrod Shusterman

Related Words

• confront
• contend
• cope