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.
tackle (countable and uncountable, plural tackles)
- (nautical) A system of ropes and blocks used to increase the force applied to the free end of the rope.
- (fishing, uncountable) Equipment (rod, reel, line, lure, etc.) used when angling.
- (uncountable, informal) By extension, any piece of equipment, particularly 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 1400054567, page 193,
- ... an illuminated license-plate frame bearing his likeness, signature, and yellow number 24. "That there's a real nice piece of tackle. ..."
- (sports, countable) A play where a player attempts to take control over the ball from an opponent, as in rugby or football.
- (American football, rugby, countable) A play where a defender brings the ball carrier to the ground.
- (countable) Any instance in which one person forces another to the ground.
- (American football) The offensive positions between each guard and end: offensive tackle; a person playing that position.
- (American football) The defensive positions between two ends: defensive tackle; a person playing that position.
- (slang) A man's genitalia.
nautical: system of ropes and blocks
sports: attempt to take control over the ball
instance of forcing another person to the ground
tackle (third-person singular simple present tackles, present participle tackling, simple past and past participle tackled)
- 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.
- To face or deal with attempting to overcome or fight down.
- The government's measures to tackle crime were insufficient.
- (sports) To attempt to take away a ball.
- (American football, rugby) To bring a ball carrier to the ground.
- (Singapore Colloquial English) 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.
sports: to attempt to take away a ball