tussle

[ tuhs-uhl ]

verb (used without object)

, tus·sled, tus·sling.

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

“And it’s a chronic longstanding tussle that we have with clients because they’re trying to relieve themselves of as much responsibility as possible.”

From New York Times

He got more lighthearted as the band settled in, tussling with Louis Tomlinson in onstage water fights and deadpanning in a banana costume on a European tour.

From Los Angeles Times

Indeed, Americans have been tussling over the time warp for well over a century now.

From Los Angeles Times

It sounds like the Dodgers are equating the fourth game of the World Series to a spring training tussle, but guess what?

From Los Angeles Times

If D'Onofrio has his way, the tussle could escalate even further.

From BBC

Related Words

• scuffle
• tangle
• wrestle