wrestle

wrestle [res′əl; ] often [ ras′əl]

vi.

wrestled, wrestling [ME wrestlen, wrastlen < OE wræstlian, freq. of wræstan, to twist: see WREST]

1. to struggle hand to hand with an opponent in an attempt to throw or force him or her to the ground without striking blows

2. to struggle (with a problem, an opposing force, etc.) [to wrestle with one's conscience]

3. to struggle (with) in attempting to handle, maneuver, or manipulate something [to wrestle with a canvas sail in a storm]

4. to engage in the sport of wrestling

vt.

1. to struggle or fight with by wrestling; wrestle with

2. to move, lift, maneuver, etc. with great physical effort [to wrestle a boulder into place ]

☆ 3. in the W U.S., to throw (a calf, etc.) for branding

n.

1. the action of wrestling; wrestling bout

2. a struggle or contest

wrestler

n.