Wrestle

/ˈrɛsəl/

Meaning & Definition

verb
To engage in a physical confrontation in which one person tries to throw or pin another person to the ground, typically for sport or exercise.
The children decided to wrestle in the backyard until it got too dark.
To struggle or contend with someone or something in a mental or emotional sense; to try to overcome difficulties or challenges.
She had to wrestle with her conflicting emotions after the breakup.
To forcefully pull or twist something away from someone or something.
He had to wrestle the box out of his brother's hands.

Etymology

Middle English wrestlen, from Old English wrǣstlian; related to wræst, wresting.

Common Phrases and Expressions

wrestle with:
To struggle with a problem or decision.
wrestle to the ground:
To physically subdue someone by overpowering them.
wrestle for control:
To struggle for dominance in a situation.

Related Words

Slang Meanings

To deal with a difficult situation or issue.
I'm just trying to wrestle with my finals right now.
To have a heated debate or argument.
They were wrestling over the best strategy for the project.