grapple

[ grap-uhl ]

verb (used without object)

, grap·pled, grap·pling.

1. to hold or make fast to something, as with a grapple.
2. to use a grapple.
3. to seize another, or each other, in a firm grip, as in wrestling; clinch.
4. to engage in a struggle or close encounter (usually followed by with ):

   He was grappling with a boy twice his size.

5. to try to overcome or deal (usually followed by with ):

   to grapple with a problem.

   Synonyms: tussle, cope, wrestle, contend, struggle

verb (used with object)

, grap·pled, grap·pling.

1. to seize, hold, or fasten with or as with a grapple.
2. to seize in a grip, take hold of:

   The thug grappled him around the neck.

noun

1. a hook or an iron instrument by which one thing, as a ship, fastens onto another; grapnel.
2. a seizing or gripping.
3. a grip or close hold in wrestling or hand-to-hand fighting.
4. a close, hand-to-hand fight.

grapple

/ ˈɡræpəl /

verb

1. to come to grips with (one or more persons), esp to struggle in hand-to-hand combat
2. intrfoll bywith to cope or contend

   to grapple with a financial problem

3. tr to secure with a grapple

noun

1. any form of hook or metal instrument by which something is secured, such as a grapnel
2. 1. the act of gripping or seizing, as in wrestling
   2. a grip or hold
3. a contest of grappling, esp a wrestling match

Derived Forms

• ˈgrappler, noun

Other Words From

• grappler noun
• inter·grapple verb intergrappled intergrappling
• un·grappled adjective

Word History and Origins

Origin of grapple¹

1520–30; apparently a frequentative of Old English gegrǣppian to seize; associated with grapnel

Word History and Origins

Origin of grapple¹

C16: from Old French grappelle a little hook, from grape hook; see grapnel

Example Sentences

The company must also grapple with concerns about children’s screen time.

From Los Angeles Times

"This is the broader part of the post-Sue reset," the source added, saying it amounted to a "significant reassessment" in how Sir Keir wanted to approach a job he has been learning how best to grapple with.

From BBC

Which is why it has been so difficult for Palmer to grapple with the public’s learning some of the intimate details of her relationship with Jackson.

From Los Angeles Times

Liberal and conservative governments on multiple continents have been suffering electoral setbacks over the past year as they grapple with a variety of global economic dislocations in the aftermath of the COVID-19 pandemic.

From Slate

Brat summer might be over as we grapple with how dark it is at 16:00, but the concept of being a brat – “pack of cigs and a Bic lighter”, according to the singer Charli XCX – lives on.

From BBC

Related Words

• confront
• contend
• cope
• deal with