intransitive verb wrestled -·tled, wrestling -·tling

1. to struggle hand to hand with an opponent in an attempt to throw or force him or her to the ground without striking blows
2. to struggle (with a problem, an opposing force, etc.) to wrestle with one's conscience
3. to struggle (with) in attempting to handle, maneuver, or manipulate something to wrestle with a canvas sail in a storm
4. to engage in the sport of wrestling

Etymology: ME wrestlen, wrastlen < OE wræstlian, freq. of wræstan, to twist: see wrest

transitive verb

1. to struggle or fight with by wrestling; wrestle with
2. to move, lift, maneuver, etc. with great physical effort to wrestle a boulder into place
3. ☆ in the W U.S., to throw (a calf, etc.) for branding

noun

1. the action of wrestling; wrestling bout
2. a struggle or contest