I. ˈre-səl, ˈra- verb
( wres·tled ; wres·tling ˈres-liŋ, ˈras-; ˈre-s ə l-iŋ, ˈra-)
Etymology: Middle English wrastlen, wrestlen, from Old English wrǣstlian, frequentative of wrǣstan
Date: before 12th century
intransitive verb
1. : to contend by grappling with and striving to trip or throw an opponent down or off balance
2. : to combat an opposing tendency or force
wrestling with his conscience
3. : to engage in deep thought, consideration, or debate
4. : to engage in or as if in a violent or determined struggle
wrestling with cumbersome luggage
transitive verb
1.
a. : to engage in (a match, bout, or fall) in wrestling
b. : to wrestle with
wrestle an alligator
2. : to move, maneuver, or force with difficulty
• wres·tler ˈres-lər, ˈras-; ˈre-s ə l-ər, ˈra- noun
II. noun
Date: 1593
: the action or an instance of wrestling : struggle ; especially : a wrestling bout