wres·tle (rĕs'əl)

v., -tled, -tling, -tles.

v.intr.

1. To contend by grappling and attempting to throw or immobilize one's opponent, especially under contest rules.
2. To contend or struggle: wrestling with budget cuts.
3. To strive in an effort to master something: wrestle with one's conscience.

v.tr.

1. 1. To take part in (a wrestling match).
   2. To take part in a wrestling match with.
2. To move or lift with great effort and force: wrestled the piano up the stairs.
3. To throw (a calf or other animal) for branding.

n.

1. The act or a bout of wrestling.
2. A struggle.

[Middle English wrestlen, from Old English *wrǣstlian, frequentative of wrǣstan, to twist.]

wrestler wres'tler n.

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The American Heritage® Dictionary of the English Language, Fourth Edition Copyright © 2007, 2000 by Houghton Mifflin Company. Updated in 2009. Published by Houghton Mifflin Company. All rights reserved.

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