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

“What it means to mother. These roles spiritually and serendipitously come along to enable us to wrestle with that in a commercial atmosphere.”

From Los Angeles Times

The former Maryland Terrapin jumped in front of a pass intended for receiver Elijah Moore and ripped the ball away as Moore tried to wrestle it free.

From Los Angeles Times

Last season, Ten Hag had to wrestle with a crippling injury list, on which he had not always received the best advice.

From BBC

The script wants to wrestle with the question about whether the church can make progress and adapt to the modern world, but all the subtext is text.

From Los Angeles Times

I was trying to wrestle with those thoughts and felt like I’m going against such a powerful institution.

From Slate

Related Words

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