Tackling Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

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tackling

[หˆtรฆkษ™lษชล‹ ]

Definitions

Context #1 | Verb

sports

Making a physical challenge or attempt to take possession or control of the ball from an opponent.

Synonyms

attacking, challenging, confronting.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
tackling

Often used in sports or when dealing with a problem or task in a proactive and methodical way.

  • The team is tackling the project head-on.
  • He is known for tackling difficult situations effectively.
challenging

Appropriate when speaking about questioning something, testing someoneโ€™s abilities, or dealing with a difficult situation that requires effort.

  • She enjoys challenging herself with complex puzzles.
  • The professor welcomed students challenging her theories.
confronting

Used when dealing directly with someone or something, usually in a situation that requires facing unpleasant issues or disputes.

  • They are confronting the challenges of climate change.
  • She found herself confronting an old rival at the event.
attacking

Used when describing aggressive behavior or actions, either physically or verbally. It can have a negative connotation.

  • The player was penalized for attacking his opponent.
  • She felt he was attacking her ideas unjustly.

Examples of usage

  • He is known for his aggressive tackling on the field.
  • The defender's tackling skills are top-notch.
Context #2 | Noun

general

The act of confronting or dealing with a problem or difficult situation directly.

Synonyms

addressing, confrontation, handling.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
tackling

Used when dealing with a problem or challenge directly and often aggressively. Commonly used in sports or when someone takes an active approach to solve an issue.

  • She is tackling the issue of climate change by organizing local clean-ups.
  • The football player is well-known for his skill in tackling opponents.
confrontation

Used in situations where there is a direct, often hostile encounter between people or groups. It usually has a negative connotation.

  • The confrontation between the two political leaders was heated.
  • She avoided confrontation by walking away from the argument.
handling

Used when dealing with a situation, problem, or object, especially in an effective or efficient manner. It's often neutral and can be used in various contexts.

  • She is handling the customer complaints professionally.
  • He is good at handling delicate situations.
addressing

Appropriate when speaking to a group or when dealing with a problem in a formal or thoughtful manner. Often used in professional or official settings.

  • The CEO is addressing the concerns of the employees.
  • We need to address the root causes of poverty.

Examples of usage

  • She showed great tackling of the issue at hand.
  • Effective tackling of challenges leads to growth and development.

Translations

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

Interesting Facts

Sports

  • In football, a good tackle can be game-changing, often stopping the opposing team from scoring.
  • In rugby, tackling is a vital part of the game, where players learn techniques to do it safely and effectively.

Education

  • The term is often used in classrooms to refer to addressing challenges, like tackling difficult homework.
  • Teachers help students tackle their learning difficulties by breaking problems down into smaller, manageable parts.

Metaphor and Language

  • In everyday speech, people use 'tackling' to describe approaching tough conversations or issues, such as tackling a conflict with a friend.
  • The act of tackling can symbolize bravery, as it often takes courage to face challenges head-on.

Origin of 'tackling'

Main points about word origin

  • The word comes from the old English word 'tรฆccan', meaning 'to catch' or 'to seize'.
  • In sports, 'tackling' has roots in rugby and football, where it refers to stopping an opponent by grabbing them.

The word 'tackling' originated from the Middle English word 'tacklen' which meant 'to fasten or attach'. Over time, it evolved to also mean 'to handle a task or problem'. In the sports context, tackling specifically refers to the act of challenging an opponent or confronting a problem head-on.


See also: tackles.

Word Frequency Rank

With rank #16,518, this word belongs to specialized vocabulary. While not common in everyday speech, it enriches your ability to express complex ideas.