wrestle

[ res-uhl ]

verb (used without object)

, wres·tled, wres·tling.

1. to engage in wrestling.
2. to contend, as in a struggle for mastery; grapple:

   to wrestle with one's conscience.

verb (used with object)

, wres·tled, wres·tling.

1. to contend with in wrestling.
2. to force by or as if by wrestling.
3. to throw (a calf or other animal) for branding.

noun

1. an act of or a bout at wrestling.
2. a struggle.

wrestle

/ ˈrɛsəl /

verb

1. to fight (another person) by holding, throwing, etc, without punching with the closed fist
2. intr to participate in wrestling
3. whenintr, foll by with or against to fight with (a person, problem, or thing)

   wrestle with one's conscience

4. tr to move laboriously, as with wrestling movements
5. tr to throw (an animal) for branding

noun

1. the act of wrestling
2. a struggle or tussle

Derived Forms

• ˈwrestler, noun

Other Words From

• wrestler noun
• outwrestle verb (used with object) outwrestled outwrestling
• un·wrestled adjective

Word History and Origins

Origin of wrestle¹

before 1100; Middle English wrestlen, wrastlen (v.), Old English *wrǣstlian (compare Old English wrǣstlere wrestler), frequentative of wrǣstan to wrest; cognate with Middle Dutch, Middle Low German worstelen

Word History and Origins

Origin of wrestle¹

Old English wræstlian; related to Middle Dutch wrastelen (Dutch worstelen ), Old Norse rost current, race

Example Sentences

Biden said he wrestled with the decision, and added: "once I made this decision this weekend, there was no sense in delaying it further."

From BBC

They think about the mixed martial arts workouts at a West Hollywood gym where they grappled, wrestled and tackled until their lungs burned and muscles ached.

From Los Angeles Times

Despite their injuries, the MacKenzies fought back and wrestled the weapon from MacDonald before he was tackled by police.

From BBC

MPs have a free vote on an issue of profound social change, an issue of conscience where many have wrestled with questions ranging from morality to practicality.

From BBC

He met the real Robles and started training with him — Robles serves as Jerome’s double in the wrestling scenes — they lifted weights, wrestled and built a friendship over months.

From Los Angeles Times

Related Words

• contend
• grapple
• scuffle
• strive
• tangle
• tussle