grappling

[ grap-ling ]
/ ˈgræp lɪŋ /
SEE SYNONYMS FOR grappling ON THESAURUS.COM

noun

grapnel.

Origin of grappling

First recorded in 1590–1600; grapple + -ing1

OTHER WORDS FROM grappling

un·grap·pling, adjective

Words nearby grappling

grappier cement, grapple, grapple ground, grapple plant, grapple shot, grappling, grappling iron, graptolite, grapy, gras, grasmere

Definition for grappling (2 of 2)

grapple
[ grap-uhl ]
/ ˈgræp əl /

verb (used without object), grap·pled, grap·pling.

verb (used with object), grap·pled, grap·pling.

to seize, hold, or fasten with or as with a grapple.
to seize in a grip, take hold of: The thug grappled him around the neck.

noun

Origin of grapple

1520–30; apparently a frequentative of Old English gegrǣppian to seize; associated with grapnel

OTHER WORDS FROM grapple

grap·pler, noun in·ter·grap·ple, verb, in·ter·grap·pled, in·ter·grap·pling. un·grap·pled, adjective

Words related to grappling

contend, confront, cope, catch, encounter, scuffle, nail, hook, battle, close, nab, tussle, clash, fight, attack, take, grip, hug, combat, snatch

Example sentences from the Web for grappling

British Dictionary definitions for grappling (1 of 2)

grappling
/ (ˈɡræplɪŋ) /

noun

the act of gripping or seizing, as in wrestling
a hook used for securing something

British Dictionary definitions for grappling (2 of 2)

grapple
/ (ˈɡræpəl) /

verb

to come to grips with (one or more persons), esp to struggle in hand-to-hand combat
(intr foll by with) to cope or contend to grapple with a financial problem
(tr) to secure with a grapple

noun

any form of hook or metal instrument by which something is secured, such as a grapnel
  1. the act of gripping or seizing, as in wrestling
  2. a grip or hold
a contest of grappling, esp a wrestling match

Derived forms of grapple

grappler, noun

Word Origin for grapple

C16: from Old French grappelle a little hook, from grape hook; see grapnel