wrestle

¹wres·tle

verb \ˈre-səl, ˈra-\

wres·tledwres·tling \ˈres-liŋ, ˈras-; ˈre-s^əl-iŋ, ˈra-\

Definition of WRESTLE

intransitive verb

1

: to contend by grappling with and striving to trip or throw an opponent down or off balance

2

: to combat an opposing tendency or force <wrestling with his conscience>

3

: to engage in deep thought, consideration, or debate

4

: to engage in or as if in a violent or determined struggle <wrestling with cumbersome luggage>

transitive verb

1

a : to engage in (a match, bout, or fall) in wrestling

b : to wrestle with <wrestle an alligator>

2

: to move, maneuver, or force with difficulty

— wres·tler \ˈres-lər, ˈras-; ˈre-s^əl-ər, ˈra-\ noun

Examples of WRESTLE

1. They'll be wrestling each other for the championship.
2. They'll be wrestling with each other for the championship.

Origin of WRESTLE

Middle English wrastlen, wrestlen, from Old English wrǣstlian, frequentative of wrǣstan

First Known Use: before 12th century

Related to WRESTLE

Synonyms

grapple, rassle, scuffle, tussle

Related Words

battle, clash (with), combat, contend, duel, fight, war (against); bash, batter, beat, buffet, hit, punch, slug, strike; box, spar; brawl, skirmish

Rhymes with WRESTLE

decile, nestle, pestle, vessel

²wrestle

noun

Definition of WRESTLE

: the action or an instance of wrestling : struggle; especially : a wrestling bout

First Known Use of WRESTLE

1593

Rhymes with WRESTLE

acyl, castle, facile, gracile, hassle, passel, tassel, vassal