grapple
[ grap-uhl ]
/ ˈgræp əl /
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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
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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, adjectiveDictionary.com Unabridged
Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2021
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
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