Refine this word faster

Stronger alternatives Opposite tone Use in context Cross-language nuance

Tackle

//ˈtækəl// noun, verb, slang

Definitions

Noun
  1. 1
    A device for grasping an object and an attached means of moving it, as a rope and hook. countable, uncountable
  2. 2
    (American football) grasping an opposing player with the intention of stopping by throwing to the ground wordnet
  3. 3
    A block and tackle. countable, uncountable
  4. 4
    (American football) a position on the line of scrimmage, typically opposite one of the offensive guards wordnet
  5. 5
    Clothing. slang, uncountable
Show 11 more definitions
  1. 6
    gear used in fishing wordnet
  2. 7
    Equipment (rod, reel, line, lure, etc.) used when angling. uncountable
  3. 8
    gear consisting of ropes etc. supporting a ship's masts and sails wordnet
  4. 9
    Equipment, gear, gadgetry. broadly, informal, uncountable

    "2004 June 24–30, "Jeff Gordon Never Gets Tired Of Seeing Face On Cheap Plastic Crap", The Onion, available in Embedded in America, →ISBN, page 193, ... an illuminated license-plate frame bearing his likeness, signature, and yellow number 24. "That there's a real nice piece of tackle. ...""

  5. 10
    the person who plays offensive or defensive tackle on a football team wordnet
  6. 11
    A play where a player attempts to take control over the ball from an opponent, as in rugby or football. countable
  7. 12
    A play where a defender brings the ball carrier to the ground. countable
  8. 13
    Any instance in which one person intercepts another and forces them to the ground. countable
  9. 14
    An offensive line position between a guard and an end: offensive tackle; a person playing that position. countable, uncountable
  10. 15
    A defensive position between two defensive ends: defensive tackle; a person playing that position. countable, uncountable
  11. 16
    The penis. countable, slang, uncountable
Verb
  1. 1
    To force a person to the ground with the weight of one's own body, usually by jumping on top or slamming one's weight into them.
  2. 2
    seize and throw down an opponent player, who usually carries the ball wordnet
  3. 3
    To face or deal with, attempting to overcome or fight down.

    "The government's measures to tackle crime were insufficient."

  4. 4
    put a harness wordnet
  5. 5
    To attempt to take away a ball.
Show 3 more definitions
  1. 6
    accept as a challenge wordnet
  2. 7
    To bring a ball carrier to the ground.
  3. 8
    To "hit on" or pursue a person that one is interested in. Singapore, colloquial

    ""Singing is the oldest, most effective and productive way to tackle girls," asserted the 37-year-old, affectionately known as Ah Guan at Tan Chang Ren Music Station."

Etymology

Etymology 1

From Middle English takel (“gear, apparatus”), from Middle Dutch or Middle Low German takel (“ship's rigging”), perhaps related to Middle Dutch taken (“to grasp, seize”). Akin to Danish takkel (“tackle”), Swedish tackel (“tackle”). More at take.

Etymology 2

From Middle English takel (“gear, apparatus”), from Middle Dutch or Middle Low German takel (“ship's rigging”), perhaps related to Middle Dutch taken (“to grasp, seize”). Akin to Danish takkel (“tackle”), Swedish tackel (“tackle”). More at take.

See also for "tackle"

Synonyms Antonyms Rhymes Sentences Translate Word Type Pronunciation Word Forms

Next best steps

Find stronger synonymsSee usage examplesCheck pronunciation

Mini challenge

Unscramble this word: tackle