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

Earlier last week, demonstrators - some of whom were from Indigenous groups - carrying signs that read "our forests are not for sale" broke into the summit and tussled with security.

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The collapse of the deal is the latest twist in a protracted tussle for control of The Telegraph, a politically influential paper with strong ties to Britain’s Conservative Party.

Read more on The Wall Street Journal

The tussle is among numerous challenges and disputes playing out in the bankruptcy court.

Read more on The Wall Street Journal

Videos on social media showed tussling between protesters, some wearing what appeared to be traditional indigenous dress, and security guards.

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As major tech players tussle for scarce GPUs and computing capacity, an equally heated scramble is playing out among Wall Street asset managers.

Read more on MarketWatch

Related Words

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