tackle

Etymology

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.

noun

1. A device for grasping an object and an attached means of moving it, as a rope and hook.
2. A block and tackle.
3. (nautical, slang, uncountable) Clothing.
4. (fishing, uncountable) Equipment (rod, reel, line, lure, etc.) used when angling.
5. (uncountable, informal, by extension) Equipment, gear, 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, page 193, ... an illuminated license-plate frame bearing his likeness, signature, and yellow number 24. "That there's a real nice piece of tackle. ..."
6. (sports, countable) A play where a player attempts to take control over the ball from an opponent, as in rugby or football.
7. (rugby, American football, countable) A play where a defender brings the ball carrier to the ground.
8. (countable) Any instance in which one person intercepts another and forces them to the ground.
9. (American football) An offensive line position between a guard and an end: offensive tackle; a person playing that position.
10. (American football) A defensive position between two defensive ends: defensive tackle; a person playing that position.
11. (slang) A man's genitalia.

verb

1. 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 them.
2. To face or deal with, attempting to overcome or fight down.
   The government's measures to tackle crime were insufficient.
   The work on Bridge 22, over Hemming Street, is being tackled first; it was started in January and should be finished by Whitsun. 1959 May, “Talking of Trains: Bethnal Green alterations”, in Trains Illustrated, page 236
   The shark was thought to represent nature at its most cruel, and only a few painters and writers felt the need to tackle such a powerful subject. 1983, Richard Ellis, The Book of Sharks, Knopf, page 148
3. (sports) To attempt to take away a ball.
4. (rugby, American football) To bring a ball carrier to the ground.
5. (Singapore, colloquial) To "hit on" or pursue a person that one is interested in.
   "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. 2000, Florence Tan, The New Paper
   It takes the form of a beautiful lady and tackles young and handsome men. 2003, Other Malay Ghosts
   Now, now, I know you guys are being excited but remember, your feelings play the most important role to tackle a girl. 2009, Z Master, General Tips about Life
   Kenneth Ma claims his secret to tackling girls lies in his new and improved skin condition. 2014, The Newsroom, archived from the original on 2016-03-05