tackles

/ˈtækəlz/

NOUN

1. Equipment used for lifting or moving objects

A mechanical arrangement of ropes, pulleys, and hooks used to grasp, lift, or move objects.

1.1. Block and tackle equipment

A system of ropes and pulleys designed to lift or move heavy objects with reduced effort.

Synonyms

  • block and tackle
  • lifting gear
  • hoisting equipment

Related Words

  • pulley
  • rope
  • hook
  • winch
  • rigging

NOUN

2. Equipment used for fishing

The collection of equipment and accessories used when fishing, such as rods, reels, lines, hooks, and lures.

2.1. Fishing gear and accessories

Equipment used for catching fish, including fishing rods, reels, lines, hooks, and artificial lures.

Synonyms

  • fishing gear
  • fishing equipment

Examples

  • The anglers checked their tackles before heading out to sea.

Related Words

  • fishing rod
  • reel
  • fishing line
  • lure
  • hook

NOUN

3. General tools and equipment

Tools, equipment, or accessories used for a particular activity or purpose.

3.1. Tools and gear for an activity

A collection of tools, instruments, or equipment needed to perform a specific task or activity.

Synonyms

Related Words

NOUN

4. Physical moves to stop or bring down opponents

Actions in which players attempt to take control of the ball from opponents or bring ball carriers to the ground during a sporting contest.

4.1. Taking the ball from an opponent

Defensive actions in which players challenge opponents to gain possession of the ball, particularly in football or rugby.

Synonyms

Examples

  • The midfielder made several successful tackles to regain possession.

Related Words

  • blocks
  • defensive plays
  • ball recoveries
  • contests

4.2. Bringing ball carriers to the ground

Physical defensive actions in which players grab, collide with, or force an opponent carrying the ball to the ground.

Synonyms

  • take-downs
  • stops

Examples

  • The linebacker made several crucial tackles during the game.

Related Words

  • grapples
  • collisions
  • blocks
  • defensive stops

4.3. Forcibly bringing people to the ground

Instances of physically intercepting another person and forcing them to the ground through bodily contact.

Synonyms

  • take-downs
  • wrestling moves

Related Words

  • grappling
  • restraint
  • physical interception

NOUN

5. Offensive and defensive positions in American football

Players or playing positions along the line of scrimmage responsible for blocking opponents or stopping offensive plays.

5.1. Offensive line players

Players positioned between the offensive guards and ends who protect the quarterback and create openings for running plays.

Synonyms

  • offensive linemen

Related Words

  • offensive guards
  • centers
  • tight ends
  • offensive line

5.2. Defensive line players

Players positioned along the defensive line who stop running plays and pressure the opposing team's quarterback.

Synonyms

  • defensive linemen

Related Words

  • defensive ends
  • linebackers
  • nose guards
  • defensive line

NOUN

6. Male genitalia

An informal or slang term referring to a man's external sexual organs.

6.1. Informal reference to male genitals

A colloquial expression referring to male sexual organs.

Synonyms

Related Words

  • penis
  • groin
  • crotch

VERB

7. Dealing with problems or challenges

Faces or deals with difficult situations, problems, or responsibilities in an effort to overcome them.

7.1. Addressing problems and challenges

Makes a deliberate effort to confront, manage, or resolve difficult issues rather than avoiding them.

Synonyms

Antonyms

  • avoids
  • evades
  • shuns

Examples

  • The team tackles difficult problems through collaboration and careful planning.

Related Words

VERB

8. Physically bringing someone to the ground

Forces another person to the ground by using bodily weight or physical impact.

8.1. Bringing an opponent down physically

Uses physical force, such as grabbing, jumping onto, or colliding with another person, to bring them to the ground.

Synonyms

Examples

  • The defenders tackle opposing players to prevent them from advancing.

Related Words

  • grapples
  • restrains
  • seizes
  • wrestles

VERB

9. Attempting to take a ball from an opponent

Attempts to gain possession of a ball by challenging an opposing player during a sporting game.

9.1. Dispossessing an opponent in sports

Challenges an opposing player in an effort to take the ball away and regain possession during a game.

Synonyms

Examples

  • The defenders tackle opposing players to regain control of the ball.

Related Words

VERB

10. Pursuing someone romantically

Approaches or pursues a person in whom one has romantic or sexual interest.

10.1. Romantic or sexual pursuit

Approaches someone or makes romantic or sexual advances toward them, often in informal usage.

Synonyms

  • pursues
  • hits on
  • approaches

Related Words

  • flirts
  • courts
  • woos