grapnel

[ grap-nl ]

noun

1. a device consisting essentially of one or more hooks or clamps, for grasping or holding something; grapple; grappling iron.
2. a small anchor with three or more flukes, used for grappling or dragging or for anchoring a small boat, as a skiff.

grapnel

/ ˈɡræpnəl /

noun

1. a device with a multiple hook at one end and attached to a rope, which is thrown or hooked over a firm mooring to secure an object attached to the other end of the rope
2. a light anchor for small boats

Word History and Origins

Origin of grapnel¹

1325–75; Middle English grapnel ( l ), diminutive of Old French grapin, diminutive of grape hook, grape

Word History and Origins

Origin of grapnel¹

C14: from Old French grapin a little hook, from grape a hook; see grape

Example Sentences

According to an online video, the company sometimes uses grapnels to snag severed fiber-optic cables and haul them to the surface, where the ends are spliced back together.

From Washington Post

Dad went to work getting the grapnel hook ready.

From Literature

A moment later came the most jolting shock of all as the grapnel found a branch that held it fast.

From Literature

There’s a built-in cowl respirator, a pneumatic tranquilizer gun, grapnel gun, strobe stun gun, two-radio, ultrasonic anti-dog device, and, of course, smoke bombs, Batarangs, and fireball shooting gear plus a bunch of other awesome functions.

From Time

You lower down a grapnel, which is like a big shovel, and pull up each side of the cable and buoy them.

From Newsweek

Related Words

• constraint
• grasp
• restraint