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English Lexicon

Grapple

/ˈɡræp.əl/
verbnounCEFR B2 (Upper)Top #4500 frequency
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Comprehensive Definitions & Senses

2 senses
As verb
  1. 1

    To seize or hold firmly; to struggle or wrestle with something.

    "The two competitors grappled on the mat, each trying to gain the upper hand."
As noun
  1. 1

    A struggle or contest for superiority or control.

    "The political grapple between the two parties intensified as the election approached."
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Antonyms & Contrasting Words (1)

Linguistic Origin & Historical Etymology

Derived from the Middle French word 'grappiller' (to glean or gather) and Old French 'graper' (to seize with a hook), ultimately stemming from Germanic roots related to hooks. Over centuries, the term evolved from maritime terminology regarding grappling irons used in naval warfare to denote close hand-to-hand combat or struggling mentally with a difficult problem.

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