tackle

  • noun 1 the equipment required for a task or sport. 2 a mechanism consisting of ropes, pulley blocks, and hooks for lifting heavy objects. 3 the running rigging and pulleys used to work a boat’s sails. 4 (in sport) an act of tackling an opponent. 5 Brit. vulgar slang a man’s genitals.

  • verb 1 make determined efforts to deal with (a difficult task). 2 initiate discussion with (someone) about a sensitive issue. 3 (in soccer, hockey, rugby, etc.) intercept (an opponent in possession of the ball).

  — DERIVATIVES tackler noun.

  — ORIGIN probably from Low German takel, from taken ‘lay hold of’.

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