wrestle — to fight by grappling and trying to pin or throw an opponent
Part of speech: VERB
Definition: to fight by grappling and trying to pin or throw an opponent
Pronunciation (IPA): /ˈresəl/
Example Sentences
- My cat likes to wrestle with my socks every morning.
- I've been wrestling with this computer virus for three hours.
- The politician wrestled the microphone away from the reporter.
wrestle
VERB[/ˈresəl/]
to fight by grappling and trying to pin or throw an opponent

Two farmers wrestle in the muddy village square while cheering crowds circle them.

After they wrestle near the vessel, opponents nestle!
Got the picture? Now let's practice.
🎤Pronunciation
🌳Etymology
Origin
The word derives from Old English 'wræstlian', which originally meant 'to twist' or 'to wring'. Over time, the meaning extended from the literal physical sense of twisting and turning to encompass physical combat and struggle, eventually developing the broader sense of grappling with difficulties or challenges both physical and mental.
Breakdown
Old English 'wræstlian' is formed from a root meaning 'to twist' or 'to writhe' (wræst-) with the frequentative suffix '-lian', indicating repeated or continuous action. The word evolved into Middle English 'wrestlen' and then modern English 'wrestle'.
🎵Rhyme
🔗Collocations
📝Examples
“My cat likes to wrestle with my socks every morning.”
“I've been wrestling with this computer virus for three hours.”
“The politician wrestled the microphone away from the reporter.”
“Students often wrestle with choosing the right career path.”
📚Related Words
Want to master 27,000+ words?
Sign up free for flashcards & quizzes.