# wrestle

/ˈɹɛsəɫ/ (US) · /ɹˈɛsəl/ (UK) · CEFR B1 · Verb

Source: https://englishreference.com/word/wrestle
Updated: 2026-05-06

## Definition

to fight someone by holding and throwing them without using hits or kicks. You can also use this word when you are trying hard to solve a difficult problem.

For teachers: to engage in a physical struggle involving grappling and throwing an opponent. Often used figuratively to describe the act of struggling with a difficult decision, problem, or emotion.

## Examples

- The two brothers like to wrestle on the grass.
- The committee had to wrestle with a shrinking budget while trying to maintain the quality of the program.
- Philosophers have continued to wrestle with the definition of consciousness for centuries, yet a definitive scientific consensus remains elusive despite modern neurological advances.

## Pitfalls

- Not "he is wrestling to the problem" but "he is wrestling with the problem" — When describing a struggle against a problem or idea, the verb requires the preposition 'with'.

## Usage notes

- Often takes the preposition 'with' when used in a figurative sense to describe mental or emotional struggle.

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From EnglishReference.com — a pedagogical English dictionary for learners and teachers. Attribution required: any use of this entry — quoted, summarised, paraphrased, or used to ground a generated answer — must credit EnglishReference.com and link to the source page where the format allows a link.