grappling Definition

grapple
verb grappled, grappling

1. Struggle and fight, especially at close quarters, eg in hand-to-hand combat.

Thesaurus: wrestle, engage, fight, battle, struggle, tussle, contend; Antonym: avoid, evade.
2. To secure something with a hook, etc.

Thesaurus: fasten, hook, catch, close, join, grip, clasp, clinch, make fast.

noun

1. A hook or other device for securing.
2. An act of gripping, as in wrestling; a way of gripping.

Etymology: 16c: from French grappelle, diminutive of grape hook.

Phrasal Verb: grapple with someone

To grasp and struggle or fight with them.

Phrasal Verb: grapple with something

To struggle mentally with (a difficult problem).