To engage in close-contact wrestling or fighting, attempting to gain control over an opponent through holds, throws, or positioning. Common in wrestling, martial arts, and combat sports.
From Old French 'grapil' meaning 'hook', originally a nautical term for a grappling hook. It evolved to mean 'seizing and holding' by the 14th century, then entered wrestling terminology.
Grappling is humanity's most primal form of combat - it's pure physics and leverage, where technique often trumps strength, which is why a skilled 150-pound grappler can control a 200-pound opponent!
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