tussle

/ˈtʌs.əl/ (bre, ipa) · [tˈʌsəl] /ˈtʌs.əl/ (ame, ipa) · [tˈʌsəl] /ˈtə-səl How to pronounce tussle (audio)/ (ame, mw) · /ˈtʌsl/ (bre, ipa) · [tˈʌsəl] /ˈtʌsl/ (ame, ipa)

tussle — verb

  • tusslepresent simple I / you / we / they
  • tussles3rd person singular
  • tussling-ing form
  • tussledpast simple

1. To get into a hard argument or conflict with someone, especially when both sides

1.動詞不及物B2
釋義

To get into a hard argument or conflict with someone, especially when both sides keep pushing their own view.

例句

Ishaan and his uncle tussled over the sale of the family shop.

tussle over + issue

The two lawyers kept tussling about who should lead the case.

keep tussling about + clause

同義詞
  • argue

    more general and can sound calmer than tussle

  • clash

    often suggests a sharp public disagreement between groups

  • wrangle

    suggests a long, difficult dispute, often about details

反義詞
  • agree

    to share the same view instead of fighting over it

  • settle

    to resolve the disagreement and stop pushing against each other

文法句型

tussle with + person/group + over/about + issue

keep tussling over + issue

用法筆記

Usually followed by 'with' to name the other side and 'over' or 'about' to name the subject. This sense is about heated conflict over an issue, not grabbing or hitting.

常見錯誤

❌She tussled him about the vote.
✅She tussled with him about the vote.
💡this verb is intransitive, so the other person comes after 'with'.
❌They tussled the budget all afternoon.
✅They tussled over the budget all afternoon.
💡use 'over' or 'about' before the issue.

2. To push, pull, and struggle with someone at very close range, often in a rough,

2.動詞不及物B2
釋義

To push, pull, and struggle with someone at very close range, often in a rough, confused fight.

例句

Femi and the thief tussled beside the taxi until police arrived.

short rough fight at close range

Two boys were tussling on the grass for the football.

tussle for + object

同義詞
  • scuffle

    very close in meaning; often a short rough fight

  • wrestle

    suggests stronger gripping or a more sustained bodily struggle

  • grapple

    a bit more formal and often focused on grabbing hold

反義詞
  • separate

    to move apart instead of fighting at close range

  • release

    to let go rather than keep grabbing or pulling

文法句型

tussle with + person

tussle over/for + thing

用法筆記

This sense usually describes a brief, close fight with grabbing and pushing rather than a formal boxing or wrestling match. Use 'with' for the other person and 'over' or 'for' when both sides are trying to get something.

常見錯誤

❌The guard tussled the fan to the floor.
✅The guard tussled with the fan and forced him to the floor.
💡this verb takes 'with' before the other person.
❌They tussled from the bag.
✅They tussled over the bag.
💡use 'over' when both sides are trying to take the same thing.

tussle — noun