grapple

 
Pronunciation: /ˈgrap(ə)l/

verb

  • 1 [no object] engage in a close fight or struggle without weapons; wrestle: passers-by grappled with the man after the knife attack
  • [with object] seize hold of (someone): he grappled the young man around the throat
  • (grapple with) struggle to deal with or overcome (a difficulty or challenge): other towns are still grappling with the problem
  • 2 [with object] archaic seize or hold with a grappling hook.

noun

  • 1an act of grappling.
  • informal a wrestling match.
  • 2an instrument for seizing hold of something; a grappling hook.

Derivatives

grappler

noun

Origin:

Middle English (as a noun denoting a grappling hook): from Old French grapil, from Provençal, diminutive of grapa 'hook', of Germanic origin; related to grape. The verb dates from the mid 16th century