grapple

Grapple is defined as to struggle with something or someone.

(verb)

An example of grapple is when two kids get into a fight over a ball, with each struggling to get control.
An example of grapple is when you are struggling with making a difficult decision.

See grapple in Webster's New World College Dictionary

noun

grapnel
a device consisting of two or more hinged, movable iron prongs for grasping and moving heavy objects
a coming to grips; hand-to-hand fight

Origin: OFr grapil: see grapnel

transitive verb grappled, grappling

to grip and hold; seize

intransitive verb

Related Forms:

See grapple in American Heritage Dictionary 4

noun

a. An iron shaft with claws at one end, usually thrown by a rope and used for grasping and holding, especially one for drawing and holding an enemy ship alongside. Also called grapnel, grappling, grappling hook, grappling iron.
b. Nautical See grapnel.
The act of grappling.
a. A struggle or contest in which the participants attempt to clutch or grip each other.
b. A struggle for superiority or dominance.

verb grap·pled, grap·pling, grap·ples

verb, transitive

verb, intransitive

To hold onto something with or as if with a grapple.
To use a grapple or similar device, as for dragging.
To struggle, in or as if in wrestling: grappled with their consciences; grapple with the political realities of our time.

Origin:

Origin: Middle English grapel

Origin: , from Old French grapil

Origin: , diminutive of grape, hook; see grape

Related Forms: