wrangle

[ rang-guhl ]

verb (used without object)

, wran·gled, wran·gling.

1. to argue or dispute, especially in a noisy or angry manner.

   Synonyms: brawl, quarrel

verb (used with object)

, wran·gled, wran·gling.

1. to argue or dispute.
2. to tend or round up (cattle, horses, or other livestock).
3. to obtain, often by contrivance or scheming; wangle:

   He wrangled a job through a friend.

noun

1. a noisy or angry dispute; altercation.

   Synonyms: argument, brawl, quarrel

wrangle

/ ˈræŋɡəl /

verb

1. intr to argue, esp noisily or angrily
2. tr to encourage, persuade, or obtain by argument
3. tr to herd (cattle or horses)

noun

1. a noisy or angry argument

Other Words From

• outwrangle verb (used with object) outwrangled outwrangling
• un·wrangling adjective

Word History and Origins

Origin of wrangle¹

1350–1400; Middle English, apparently < Low German wrangeln, frequentative of wrangen to struggle, make an uproar; akin to wring

Word History and Origins

Origin of wrangle¹

C14: from Low German wrangeln; related to Norwegian vrangla

Example Sentences

In a new report, a Holyrood committee said wrangles over funding had already "significantly" contributed to the original 2025 target being missed.

From BBC

A legal wrangle with the Home Office over the level of police protection he receives in the UK is ongoing.

From BBC

He wrangled summer internships at the outlet, delivering scripts and Coca-Colas to anchors and riding in the back of the news cruiser.

From Los Angeles Times

There is an ongoing, labyrinthine legal wrangle with the Home Office over his security status in the UK - which has become a thorny issue in any discussion about a return.

From BBC

Without a doubt, you’ll feel your heart racing watching the steer wrestlers hurl themselves from atop their horses to wrangle bovine companions in time to secure their victory.

From Los Angeles Times

Related Words

• altercation
• bickering
• brawl
• brouhaha
• disagreement
• falling-out
• flap
• fracas
• hassle
• quarrel
• ruckus
• squabble
• tiff