Grapple definition
To grapple with a problem.
Grappled the prow of the ship.
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.
Grappled with their consciences; grapple with the political realities of our time.
Origin of grapple
- Middle English grapel from Old French grapil diminutive of grape hook grape
From American Heritage Dictionary of the English Language, 5th Edition
- From Middle English *grapplen (“to seize, lay hold of”), from Old English *græpplian (“to seize”) (compare Old English ġegræppian (“to seize”)), from Proto-Germanic *graipilōną, *grabbalōną (“to seize”), from Proto-Indo-European *ghreb(h)-, *ghrab(h)- (“to take, seize, rake”). Cognate with Dutch grabbelen (“to grope, scramble, scrabble”), German grabbeln (“to rummage, grope about”), German grapsen, grapschen (“to seize, grasp, grabble”). Influenced in some senses by grapple (“hook”, noun) (see below). More at grasp.
From Wiktionary
- From Middle English *grapple, *graple, from Old French grappil (“a ship's grapple”) (compare Old French grappin (“hook”)), from Old French grape, grappe, crape (“hook”), of Germanic origin, from Old Frankish *krappō (“hook”), from Proto-Germanic *krappô, *krappą (“hook”), from Proto-Indo-European *grep- (“hook”), *gremb- (“crooked, uneven”), from Proto-Indo-European *ger- (“to turn, bend, twist”). More at grape.
From Wiktionary