grappling

American  

[grap-ling] / ˈgræp lɪŋ /

noun

1. grapnel.

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grappling British  

/ ˈɡræplɪŋ /

noun

1. the act of gripping or seizing, as in wrestling

2. a hook used for securing something

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Other Word Forms

• ungrappling adjective

Etymology

Origin of grappling

First recorded in 1590–1600; grapple + -ing ¹

Example Sentences

Niger and landlocked Mali, ruled by juntas, are allies along with military-ruled Burkina Faso, and all three are grappling with intensified jihadist attacks.

From Barron's

Many buyers are grappling with higher costs for home insurance, property taxes and homeowner-association dues.

From The Wall Street Journal

Like so many, I’m still grappling with what happened here.

From Los Angeles Times

The city itself is grappling with the competing financial demands of speeding recovery while needing to fill its coffers.

From The Wall Street Journal

Washington is managing at least two complex geopolitical conflicts, in Ukraine and the Middle East, while grappling with a new, potentially more sensitive one in Taiwan.

From The Wall Street Journal

Related Words

• confront
• contend
• cope