verb

tackle

to tackle, to deal with, to confront

We need to tackle this problem immediately.

We need to tackle this problem immediately.

He tackled the player before he could score.

He tackled the player before he could score.

She tackled him about his constant lateness.

She tackled him about his constant lateness.

((sth.)) to deal with (sth.) We need to tackle this problem.

((sb.)) to challenge or stop (sb.) in a sport The defender tackled the forward.

((sb.)) ((about sth.)) to confront (sb.) about (sth.) She tackled him about the missing money.

Synonyms: address, confront, handle; Antonyms: avoid, ignore

From Middle Dutch 'takel' (pulley, rope), originally referring to ship's rigging. The sense of 'seize' or 'grapple with' developed from this.

Imagine a football player tackling an opponent to 'handle' the situation, or using a fishing tackle box to 'deal with' organising gear.

This page is designed for learning support. Please use it as a learning reference, not as a formal reference.