tackle

Plural: tackles

Noun

• the person who plays that position on a football team
  • "the right tackle is a straight A student"
• gear consisting of ropes etc. supporting a ship's masts and sails
• gear used in fishing
• (American football) a position on the line of scrimmage
  • "it takes a big man to play tackle"
• (American football) grasping an opposing player with the intention of stopping by throwing to the ground
• A device for grasping an object and an attached means of moving it, as a rope and hook.
• A block and tackle.
• Clothing.
• Equipment (rod, reel, line, lure, etc.) used when angling.
• Equipment, gear, gadgetry.
• A play where a player attempts to take control over the ball from an opponent, as in rugby or football.
• A play where a defender brings the ball carrier to the ground.
• Any instance in which one person intercepts another and forces them to the ground.
• An offensive line position between a guard and an end: offensive tackle; a person playing that position.
• A defensive position between two defensive ends: defensive tackle; a person playing that position.
• The penis.

Verb

Verb Forms: tackled, tackling, tackles

• To deal with a problem or seize and throw down an opponent.
• accept as a challenge
  • "I'll tackle this difficult task"
• put a harness
• seize and throw down an opponent player, who usually carries the ball
• 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.
• To face or deal with, attempting to overcome or fight down.
• To attempt to take away a ball.
• To bring a ball carrier to the ground.
• To "hit on" or pursue a person that one is interested in.

Examples

• She decided to TACKLE the complex board layout with a strategic seven-letter word.
• The government's measures to tackle crime were insufficient.

Synonyms

fishing gear, fishing rig, fishing tackle, harness, rig, rigging, take on, undertake, wedding tackle

Antonyms

unharness

Anagrams of tackle