Meaning & Definition of word "Wrestle"

Wrestle

/ˈrɛsəl/

verb:

  • 1. 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.
    • Example: The children decided to wrestle in the backyard until it got too dark.
  • 2. To struggle or contend with someone or something in a mental or emotional sense; to try to overcome difficulties or challenges.
    • Example: She had to wrestle with her conflicting emotions after the breakup.
  • 3. To forcefully pull or twist something away from someone or something.
    • Example: 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

grappling:

A type of close fighting where the objective is to gain a superior position.

submission:

The action of yielding to a stronger force.

struggle:

A forceful or violent effort to get free of restraint or resist attack.

Slang Meanings of wrestle

Meaning: To deal with a difficult situation or issue.

Example Sentence: I'm just trying to wrestle with my finals right now.

Meaning: To have a heated debate or argument.

Example Sentence: They were wrestling over the best strategy for the project.