grapple

[ grap-uhl ]

/ ˈgræp əl /

Save This Word!

See synonyms for: grapple / grappling / grappler on Thesaurus.com

verb (used without object), grap·pled, grap·pling.

to hold or make fast to something, as with a grapple.

to use a grapple.

to seize another, or each other, in a firm grip, as in wrestling; clinch.

to engage in a struggle or close encounter (usually followed by with): He was grappling with a boy twice his size.

to try to overcome or deal (usually followed by with): to grapple with a problem.

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

a hook or an iron instrument by which one thing, as a ship, fastens onto another; grapnel.

a seizing or gripping.

a grip or close hold in wrestling or hand-to-hand fighting.

a close, hand-to-hand fight.

OTHER WORDS FOR grapple

5 struggle, contend, wrestle, cope, tussle.

See synonyms for grapple on Thesaurus.com

QUIZ

WILL YOU SAIL OR STUMBLE ON THESE GRAMMAR QUESTIONS?

Smoothly step over to these common grammar mistakes that trip many people up. Good luck!

Question 1 of 7

Fill in the blank: I can’t figure out _____ gave me this gift.

who

whom

TAKE THE QUIZ TO FIND OUT

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, adjective

Dictionary.com Unabridged Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023

How to use grapple in a sentence

When Timéa looked out of the cabin window, she only saw that Timar stood at the bow with a grappler in his hand.
Timar's Two Worlds|Mr Jkai
As darkness was coming on, we did not stop to examine them, but steamed on towards Port Grappler, where we anchored for the night.
Cruise of the 'Alert'|R. W. Coppinger
I was at Plymouth dreading to hear of him; he sent in letters, but the Grappler was under orders for Portsmouth.
Persuasion|Jane Austen
At six, A.M., December 30th, all was in readiness for the Grappler to leave the harbour.
Narratives of Shipwrecks of the Royal Navy; between 1793 and 1849|William O. S. Gilly

I saw it strike the cable steamship Grappler broadside on and capsize her.
The San Francisco Calamity|Various

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, noun

Word 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

grapple

OTHER WORDS FOR grapple

Origin of grapple

OTHER WORDS FROM grapple

Words related to grapple

How to use grapple in a sentence

British Dictionary definitions for grapple

Derived forms of grapple

Word Origin for grapple