Grapple: meaning, definitions and examples

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grapple

 

[ˈɡræpəl ]

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.

Interesting Facts

Etymology

  • 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.

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 person’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.

Translations

Translations of the word "grapple" in other languages:

🇵🇹 lutar

🇮🇳 लड़ाई करना

🇩🇪 kämpfen

🇮🇩 bergulat

🇺🇦 боротися

🇵🇱 zmagać się

🇯🇵 取っ組み合う (とっくみあう)

🇫🇷 lutter

🇪🇸 luchar

🇹🇷 mücadele etmek

🇰🇷 싸우다

🇸🇦 صراع

🇨🇿 zápasit

🇸🇰 zápasiť

🇨🇳 格斗

🇸🇮 boriti se

🇮🇸 glíma

🇰🇿 күресу

🇬🇪 ბრძოლა

🇦🇿 mübarizə etmək

🇲🇽 luchar

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.