tussle

[tuhs-uhl]

verb (used without object)

tussled, tussling 

1. to struggle or fight roughly or vigorously; wrestle; scuffle.

noun

1. a rough physical contest or struggle; scuffle.

2. any vigorous or determined struggle, conflict, etc..

   I had quite a tussle with that chemistry exam.

tussle

/ ˈtʌsəl /

verb

1. (intr) to fight or wrestle in a vigorous way; struggle

noun

1. a vigorous fight; scuffle; struggle

Word History and Origins

Origin of tussle¹

1425–75; late Middle English (north and Scots ) tusillen, derivative ( -le ) of tusen to touse

Word History and Origins

Origin of tussle¹

C15: related to Old High German zūsen ; see _tousle

Example Sentences

On that characterisation of the tussle ahead, at least, Reform agree that is precisely what it amounts to.

From BBC

This, for so many Labour folk, is not merely the traditional political tussle with the party's oldest adversary, the Conservatives.

From BBC

At the heart of the tussle is TikTok's algorithm - the "secret sauce" that recommends content to users based on their preferences and behaviours.

From BBC

As humans tussle over the land, the eagles continue to do their thing.

From Los Angeles Times

This is not the first time the tussle over foreign aid funding has ended up at the Supreme Court.

From BBC

Related Words

• brawl 
• fray 
• free-for-all 
• scuffle 
• skirmish 
• strife