Finesentence mobile logo
Sign in Login / Register

Grapple Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

๐Ÿคผ
Add to dictionary

grapple

[หˆษกrรฆpษ™l ]

Definitions

Context #1 | Verb

combat

To engage in a close fight or struggle without weapons; to wrestle.

Synonyms

fight, struggle, wrestle.

Examples of usage

  • He grappled with his opponent in the wrestling match.
  • The two warriors grappled fiercely in the battlefield.
Context #2 | Verb

mentally

To come to terms or deal with something difficult or challenging.

Synonyms

confront, cope, deal with.

Examples of usage

  • She had to grapple with the loss of her loved one.
  • The company had to grapple with the financial crisis.
Context #3 | Noun

tool

A device consisting of a metal shaft with two or more prongs, used for gripping or holding.

Synonyms

claw, grip, hook.

Examples of usage

  • The climber used a grapple to grab onto the rocky surface.
  • The crane operator controlled the grapple to lift heavy loads.

Translations

To see the translation, please select a language from the options available.

Interesting Facts

Sports

  • In wrestling, grappling is a technique where opponents try to gain control over each other without striking.
  • Mixed martial arts often features grappling as a crucial skill to take down opponents.

Psychology

  • People often 'grapple' with difficult decisions or emotions, reflecting the struggle of understanding their feelings.
  • Grappling can refer to a personโ€™s attempts to comprehend complex ideas, showing the emotional effort involved.

Culture

  • Grappling has appeared in many traditional forms of dance and storytelling, showcasing physical conflict and resolution.
  • In literature, characters are often depicted grappling with their inner demons or moral dilemmas, creating dramatic tension.

Origin of 'grapple'

Main points about word origin

  • The word comes from the Old French 'grapler', meaning 'to seize', which is linked to the word 'grasp'.
  • Originally, it referred to a form of wrestling, highlighting the physical aspect of holding on tightly.

The word 'grapple' has its origins in the Old French word 'grapil' which means a hook. It later evolved into 'grappler' in Middle English, referring to a person who wrestles. Over time, 'grapple' came to encompass both the physical act of wrestling and metaphorical struggles. The term has been used in various contexts to depict the idea of grappling with challenges or engaging in combat without weapons.

Word Frequency Rank

With rank #17,140, this word belongs to specialized vocabulary. While not common in everyday speech, it enriches your ability to express complex ideas.