grapple Hear it!

grapple Definition

grap·ple (grap′əl)

noun

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

Etymology: OFr grapil: see grapnel

transitive verb grap′·pled, grap′·pling

to grip and hold; seize

intransitive verb

  1. to use a grapnel
  2. to struggle in hand-to-hand combat; wrestle
  3. to struggle or try to cope (with) to grapple with a problem

grapple Related Forms

grap′·pler noun

grapple Synonyms

grapple

v.

  1. Fasten

    hook, catch, close; see fasten 1, join 1.

  2. Fight hand to hand

    engage, close, wrestle; see fight 2.

grapple Usage Examples

Object

  • hook: Finally, trailing out from the chair is a silver grappling hook at the end of a chain.
  • iron: Using grappling irons, police dragged Frazer's skeleton to the surface.
  • technique: Junior Throwing Buddy is the best way for kids to practice their judo throwing and grappling techniques in a safe and easy way.
  • art: It is relevant to striking arts as well as grappling arts.
  • method: In addition to the katas a look at the older texts reveal that karate does possess grappling methods.
  • move: There are three grapple moves to earn in the bonus missions too.

Preposition: with

  • complexity: When not grappling with the complexities of fifteenth-century double entry bookkeeping, he can usually be found sleeping in front of the TV.
  • dilemma: This mood could be helpful to a close associate who's grappling with a dilemma.
  • issue: However, the report says China has to grapple with some issues.
  • notion: He is grappling with the notion of something totally new being created.
  • problem: They grapple with the problem without being told the end point or solution.
  • challenge: Tobacco control is clearly not the only sector grappling with the new challenges being presented by the internet.

Preposition: for

cable: To-night we grapple for the heavy cable, eight tons to the mile.

Infinitive complement

make: As people of faith we grapple to make sense of a good God in the middle of it all.

Modifying Another Word

  • still: Toddlers are still grappling with very basic concepts like, ' I am me ' .
  • currently: More than 31 countries currently grapple with a " chronic " water shortage.
  • already: The educators have already grappled with the challenge of second language learning.
  • now: Staff in public libraries are now grappling with a whole new set of issues revolving around the provision of community based networked services.
  • then: Jump on the single pillar, then grapple over to the ledge with the cheat icon.
  • also: Other countries are also grappling with measures to improve private-sector responsibility.