tackle

Meaning

Noun

1. (countable, uncountable) A device for grasping an object and an attached means of moving it, as a rope and hook.
2. (countable, uncountable) A block and tackle.
3. (slang, uncountable) Clothing.
4. (uncountable) Equipment (rod, reel, line, lure, etc.) used when angling.
5. (broadly, informal, uncountable) Equipment, gear, gadgetry.
6. (countable) A play where a player attempts to take control over the ball from an opponent, as in rugby or football.
7. (countable) A play where a defender brings the ball carrier to the ground.
8. (countable) Any instance in which one person intercepts another and forces them to the ground.
9. (countable, uncountable) An offensive line position between a guard and an end: offensive tackle; a person playing that position.
10. (countable, uncountable) A defensive position between two defensive ends: defensive tackle; a person playing that position.
11. (countable, slang, uncountable) The penis.

Verb

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. To face or deal with, attempting to overcome or fight down.
3. To attempt to take away a ball.
4. To bring a ball carrier to the ground.
5. (Singapore, colloquial) To "hit on" or pursue a person that one is interested in.

Synonyms

deal with

apparatus

undertake

harness

rigging

pulley

hoist

attack

👊

rig

take on

confront

fishing gear

grab

challenge

hook

🪝

equipment

tools

accoutrements

winch

fishing rig

windlass

wrestle with

start

approach

trimmings

block

kit

commence

begin

instruments

gear

⚙️

appliance

furniture

face

fishing tackle

fittings

utensils

capture

calm

attach

butcher

burton

assuage

broadside

bring up

assault

cut down

breakdown

criticize

crash into

Translations

aanpakken

aparejo

abordar

affrontare

tacler

Flaschenzug

emprender

paranco

Gerät

Tackling

tirefort

in Angriff nehmen

affronter

aan komen lopen

aborder

Pronounced as (IPA)

/ˈtækəl/

Etymology

Inherited from Middle English: takel

Cognate with Middle Dutch: taken

Cognate with Danish: takkel

Cognate with Swedish: tackel

In summary

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.