tackle

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.

• IPA^(key): /ˈtækəl/, [ˈtʰækɫ̩]

• Audio (US)

  (file)

• Rhymes: -ækəl

tackle (countable and uncountable, plural tackles)

1. A device for grasping an object and an attached means of moving it, as a rope and hook.
2. A block and tackle.
3. (fishing, uncountable) Equipment (rod, reel, line, lure, etc.) used when angling.
4. (uncountable, informal, by extension) equipment, gear, gadgetry.
   • 2004 June 24–30, "Jeff Gordon Never Gets Tired Of Seeing Face On Cheap Plastic Crap", The Onion, available in Embedded in America, →ISBN, page 193,

     ... an illuminated license-plate frame bearing his likeness, signature, and yellow number 24. "That there's a real nice piece of tackle. ..."

5. (sports, countable) A play where a player attempts to take control over the ball from an opponent, as in rugby or football.
6. (American football, rugby, countable) A play where a defender brings the ball carrier to the ground.
7. (countable) Any instance in which one person intercepts another and forces them to the ground.
8. (American football) An offensive line position between a guard and an end: offensive tackle; a person playing that position.
9. (American football) A defensive position between two defensive ends: defensive tackle; a person playing that position.
10. (slang) A man's genitalia.

tackle (third-person singular simple present tackles, present participle tackling, simple past and past participle tackled)

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 him or her.
2. To face or deal with, attempting to overcome or fight down.

   The government's measures to tackle crime were insufficient.

   • 1983, Richard Ellis, The Book of Sharks, Knopf, →ISBN, page 148:

     The shark was thought to represent nature at its most cruel, and only a few painters and writers felt the need to tackle such a powerful subject.

3. (sports) To attempt to take away a ball.
4. (American football, rugby) To bring a ball carrier to the ground.
5. (Singapore, colloquial) To "hit on" or pursue a person that one is interested in.
   • 2000, Florence Tan, The New Paper:

     "Singing is the oldest, most effective and productive way to tackle girls," asserted the 37-year old, affectionately known as Ah Guan at Tan Chang Ren Music Station.

   • 2003, Other Malay Ghosts‎:

     It takes the form of a beautiful lady and tackles young and handsome men.

   • 2009, Z Master, General Tips about Life‎:

     Now, now, I know you guys are being excited but remember, your feelings play the most important role to tackle a girl.

   • 2014, The Newsroom‎:

     Kenneth Ma claims his secret to tackling girls lies in his new and improved skin condition.

• tackle in The Century Dictionary, New York, N.Y.: The Century Co., 1911.
• tackle at OneLook Dictionary Search

• Homophones: tacklent, tackles

tackle

1. first-person singular present indicative of tackler
2. third-person singular present indicative of tackler
3. first-person singular present subjunctive of tackler
4. first-person singular present subjunctive of tackler
5. second-person singular imperative of tackler

tackle m (plural tackles)

1. (sports) tackle