grappling

[ grap-ling ]

/ ˈgræp lɪŋ /

SEE MORE SYNONYMS FOR grappling ON THESAURUS.COM

noun

Nearby words

grappier cement, grapple, grapple ground, grapple plant, grapple shot, grappling, grappling iron, graptolite, grapy, gras, grasmere

Origin of grappling

First recorded in 1590–1600; grapple + -ing¹

Related forms

un·grap·pling, adjective

Definition for grappling (2 of 2)

grapple

[ grap-uhl ]

/ ˈgræp əl /

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.

Origin of grapple

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

SYNONYMS FOR grapple

5 struggle, contend, wrestle, cope, tussle.

SEE MORE SYNONYMS FOR grapple ON THESAURUS.COM

Related forms

grap·pler, 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. 2019

Examples from the Web for grappling

We read Thomas Piketty because we needed to understand these failures to have any hope of grappling with them.
American Democracy Under Threat for 250 Years|Jedediah Purdy|December 28, 2014|DAILY BEAST
When Booker assumed office, his half-a-million constituents were grappling with high unemployment and rampant poverty.
The Ugly Truth About Cory Booker, New Jersey’s Golden Boy|Olivia Nuzzi|October 20, 2014|DAILY BEAST
Now Europe is grappling with its worst fear—the threat of an Ebola outbreak.
Ebola in Europe: What Went Wrong|Barbie Latza Nadeau|October 8, 2014|DAILY BEAST
Given the daunting problems the city is grappling with—massive debt and a severe pension crisis—can you blame them?
Could Rahm Lose to This Infamous Union Leader?|Kathleen Geier|July 3, 2014|DAILY BEAST

In addition to grappling with widespread budget problems, states nationwide are fighting to retain or steal top businesses.
States Battle for Business|CNBC|July 8, 2013|DAILY BEAST
The terrified little group watched the two adversaries roll over and over, pounding, grappling, struggling.
Finding the Lost Treasure|Helen M. Persons
He was up in a moment, however, and grappling 169 with his assailant.
The Blue Grass Seminary Girls' Vacation Adventures|Carolyn Judson Burnett
He brought to bear upon the problems with which he was grappling a clear head, wide knowledge and steady courage.
To Him That Hath|Ralph Connor
This viceroy is quite old and feeble but he is grappling with the new problems and is a patron of education.
The Old World and Its Ways|William Jennings Bryan
For weeks, consciously and subconsciously, his mind had been grappling with this riddle.
Mr. Britling Sees It Through|H. G. Wells

British Dictionary definitions for grappling (1 of 2)

grappling

/ (ˈɡræplɪŋ) /

noun

the act of gripping or seizing, as in wrestling

a hook used for securing something

British Dictionary definitions for grappling (2 of 2)

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

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