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

---

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

---

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

And while he was aboard the ISS, many Black Americans — including Glover — were forced to grapple with more Earthly challenges.

From Los Angeles Times • Mar. 30, 2026

Britain's government is currently considering new restrictions for popular social media apps, as countries around the world grapple with how to keep children safe online.

From Barron's • Mar. 26, 2026

Since global supply chains continue to grapple with dynamic challenges, Becker says the company is well-positioned to continue layering value-added services, keeping it financially viable over the next several years.

From The Wall Street Journal • Mar. 24, 2026

While the hospitality industry is facing a multitude of challenges including taxes, young people opting for socialising away from the pub is clearly another issue for the sector to grapple with.

From BBC • Mar. 21, 2026

By then it was clear that $700 billion was a sum insufficient to grapple with the troubled assets acquired over the previous few years by Wall Street bond traders.

From "The Big Short" by Michael Lewis

Related Words

• confront
• contend
• cope