wrestle
B1Informal to Neutral
Definition
Meaning
to engage in a physical fight or struggle, especially as a sport with rules; to try hard to solve a difficult problem or make a difficult decision.
To contend, struggle, or grapple with an opponent physically or with a complex issue mentally or emotionally.
Linguistics
Semantic Notes
The verb 'wrestle' carries a strong sense of physical, intense effort. It implies a contest, either literal (as in sport) or metaphorical (as with ideas or emotions). It is a durative verb, focusing on the process of struggle rather than a single action.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
Usage is largely identical. 'Professional wrestling' is the dominant term for the sports entertainment genre in both, though the sport itself is more culturally prominent in the US. The metaphorical usage is equally common.
Connotations
In both, the literal sense connotes sport, competition, or physical altercation. The metaphorical sense connotes significant mental or emotional difficulty.
Frequency
Slightly higher frequency in American English due to the greater cultural prominence of professional wrestling (WWE).
Vocabulary
Collocations
Grammar
Valency Patterns
[Subject] wrestle [with] [Object/Problem][Subject] wrestle [Object] into/from/to [State/Position][Subject] wrestle [Opponent]Vocabulary
Synonyms
Strong
Neutral
Weak
Vocabulary
Antonyms
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “wrestle with a decision”
- “wrestle with one's conscience”
- “wrestle for control”
Usage
Context Usage
Business
'The board will wrestle with the merger proposal for weeks.'
Academic
'Philosophers have long wrestled with the concept of free will.'
Everyday
'I had to wrestle the lid off the old jar.'
Technical
'The software engineer wrestled with the legacy code to fix the bug.'
Examples
By Part of Speech
verb
British English
- He learnt to wrestle at a local club in Bolton.
- She's been wrestling with the ethics of the case.
American English
- He used to wrestle in high school in Ohio.
- Congress continues to wrestle with the new budget.
adverb
British English
- No standard adverb form. 'Wrestlingly' is non-standard/rare.
American English
- No standard adverb form.
adjective
British English
- Not commonly used as a standalone adjective. 'Wrestling' functions adjectivally: 'a wrestling match'.
American English
- Not commonly used as a standalone adjective. 'Wrestling' functions adjectivally: 'wrestling superstar'.
Examples
By CEFR Level
- The two boys wrestle on the grass for fun.
- Can you wrestle the toy from the dog?
- He had to wrestle the heavy suitcase up the stairs.
- I wrestled with the answer for a long time.
- The politician wrestled with the dilemma of party loyalty versus personal belief.
- She managed to wrestle control of the project back from the inefficient team.
- For years, theologians have wrestled with the paradoxes inherent in the doctrine.
- The company is wrestling with the disruptive forces of the new market.
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think of 'WREST' in 'wrestle' – to wrench or twist something away, which is what you do in a physical or mental struggle.
Conceptual Metaphor
THOUGHT/DIFFICULTY IS PHYSICAL CONFLICT (e.g., 'wrestling with an idea').
Watch out
Common Pitfalls
Translation Traps (for Russian speakers)
- Не путать с 'борьбой' в общем смысле (что больше 'struggle'). 'Wrestle' всегда подразумевает активное, непосредственное физическое или метафорическое противостояние с чем-то конкретным.
- В спортивном контексте это именно 'борьба' (вид спорта), а не бокс или другие единоборства.
Common Mistakes
- Using 'wrestle' for a quick fight (it implies a prolonged effort).
- Incorrect preposition: 'wrestle against' is less common than 'wrestle with'.
- Confusing noun forms: 'wrestling' (activity) vs. 'a wrestle' (a single instance).
Practice
Quiz
Which of the following is the LEAST likely meaning of 'wrestle'?
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
No, it is very commonly used metaphorically to mean struggling with a difficult problem, decision, or emotion.
'Wrestle' specifically implies close grappling, holding, and trying to throw or pin an opponent. It can be a rule-bound sport. 'Fight' is a broader term for any physical conflict and can include striking. Metaphorically, 'wrestle' suggests a more prolonged, intricate mental struggle.
Yes. Transitive: 'She wrestled the gun from the attacker.' Intransitive (usually with 'with'): 'He wrestled with the math equation.'
The gerund/noun 'wrestling' refers to the activity or sport. A single instance can be called 'a wrestle' or 'a wrestling match'.