grapple

¹grap·ple

noun \ˈgra-pəl\

Definition of GRAPPLE

1

a : the act or an instance of grappling b : a hand-to-hand struggle c : a contest for superiority or mastery

2

: a bucket similar to a clamshell but usually having more jaws

Examples of GRAPPLE

1. <was simply unable to break my opponent's viselike grapple and lost the wrestling match>
2. <after a grapple with his conscience, he confessed to having an affair>

Origin of GRAPPLE

Middle English grappel grappling hook, from Old French *grappelle, diminutive of grape hook — more at grape

First Known Use: 1601

Related to GRAPPLE

Synonyms: clasp, clench, hold, grasp, grip, handgrip, handhold

Related Words: anchorage, leverage, purchase; grab, seizure; foothold, footing, toehold; clinch, embrace, hug

Near Antonyms: release, relinquishment

see all synonyms and antonyms

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Other Civil Engineering Terms

asphalt, ballast, barrage, cantilever, infrastructure, sluice

Rhymes with GRAPPLE

apple, chapel, dapple, scrapple