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Tussle Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

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tussle

[ˈtʌsəl ]

Definitions

Context #1 | Noun

physical altercation

A tussle is a brief, physical struggle or scuffle between two or more people, often characterized by wrestling or jostling.

Synonyms

altercation, scuffle, struggle.

Examples of usage

  • They were involved in a tussle over the ball during the game.
  • There was a tussle between the two students in the schoolyard.
  • The police had to break up a tussle between the protesters.
Context #2 | Verb

struggle or fight

To tussle means to engage in a physical struggle or fight with someone, typically involving wrestling or jostling.

Synonyms

fight, struggle, wrestle.

Examples of usage

  • The two players tussled for the ball on the field.
  • She tussled with her opponent in the boxing ring.
  • The siblings tussled over the last piece of cake.

Translations

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

Interesting Facts

Pop Culture

  • 'Tussle' is often used in sports commentary to describe a close and competitive struggle between players.
  • In many cartoons and movies, characters often engage in a tussle over a prize or object, adding humor to the scene.
  • The word appears in music, often in lyrics to describe a confrontation or playful back-and-forth.

Literature

  • In classic literature, tussles symbolize the struggle between opposing forces, often reflecting character development.
  • Authors use tussles not only for physical conflict but also to illustrate broader themes of struggle and resolve.
  • Fighting or tussling scenes in stories frequently reveal deeper emotions than just the action itself.

Psychology

  • Psychological studies suggest that physical tussles, especially in children, can help develop social skills like negotiation and conflict resolution.
  • Engaging in playful tussling can release endorphins, fostering feelings of happiness and bonding between participants.
  • Conflicts described as tussles may highlight the importance of engaging with differences in a safe and non-threatening way.

Sports

  • In wrestling, a tussle refers to the grappling and maneuvering between opponents, showcasing skill and strength.
  • The term is frequently used in sports commentary to describe close plays where players contest for control of the ball.
  • Tussles in sports can lead to defining moments in games, emphasizing the competitive nature of athletes.

Origin of 'tussle'

Main points about word origin

  • The word 'tussle' comes from an older term that means to struggle or to pull.
  • It's believed to be derived from the word 'tuzzle', which was used in the 19th century.
  • The term has been in use since at least the early 1600s, showing its long history in the English language.

The word 'tussle' originated in the 16th century and is believed to have come from the Middle Dutch word 'tutsen', meaning to tear or pull about. Over time, it evolved to refer to a physical struggle or fight. The term has been commonly used in English language to describe brief altercations or scuffles.

Word Frequency Rank

At rank #28,962, this word represents specialized academic or technical vocabulary. It's less frequently encountered but may be valuable in specific contexts.