grapple

Language: en

🇺🇸 /ˈgræpəl/

📖 Definitions

  1. verb
    To seize or hold something with the hands or a device such as a grappling hook; to grip firmly.; To struggle or wrestle physically with another person, especially in close combat.; To attempt to deal with or understand a difficult problem, challenge, or concept.; To fasten or secure something with a grapple or hook.
  2. noun
    A device, typically a metal hook or set of hooks, used for gripping or seizing objects, especially in nautical or construction contexts.; A close physical struggle or fight; a wrestling engagement.; An act of grappling or the state of being grappled; a firm hold or grip.; A grappling hook, especially one used in mountaineering or for climbing walls.

🔗 Details

Word forms

countable Plural: grapples 3rd sing.: grapples Past: grappled Past part.: grappled Pres part.: grappling

Collocations

grapple withgrappling hookcome to grapplesgrapple for

Derivatives

grapplergrappling

Synonyms

wrestlestrugglecontendtackleseizeclutch

Antonyms

releaselet go

Commonly confused

grasp
EN: 'Grasp' means to hold firmly or understand clearly; 'grapple' implies a struggle or wrestling effort, often with difficulty.
grip
EN: 'Grip' emphasizes a firm hold; 'grapple' emphasizes the act of struggling or wrestling to gain control.

Spelling tips

EN: Remember 'grapple' has a double 'p'. Do not confuse with 'grapel' or 'grapple' with a single 'p'.

💬 Examples

  1. The sailor grappled the rope as it swung toward him.

  2. The two wrestlers grappled on the mat for several minutes.

  3. Philosophers have grappled with the nature of consciousness for centuries.

  4. They grappled the anchor to the seabed to stabilize the platform.

  5. The crew lowered the grapple to retrieve the sunken cargo.

  6. The two men locked in a grapple that ended with both falling into the river.

  7. He maintained his grapple on the ledge until help arrived.

  8. She threw the grapple over the castle wall and began to climb.