tackle

[[t]tæ̱k(ə)l[/t]]

♦♦♦

tackles, tackling, tackled

1) VERB If you tackle a difficult problem or task, you deal with it in a very determined or efficient way.

[V n] The first reason to tackle these problems is to save children's lives...

[V n] Firemen later tackled the blaze.

2) VERB If you tackle someone in a game such as hockey or soccer, you try to take the ball away from them. If you tackle someone in rugby or American football, you knock them to the ground.

[V n] Foley tackled the quarterback.

N-COUNT

Tackle is also a noun.

...a tackle by full-back Brian Burrows.

3) VERB If you tackle someone about a particular matter, you speak to them honestly about it, usually in order to get it changed or done.

[V n about wh/n] I tackled him about how anyone could live amidst so much poverty.

Syn:

confront

4) VERB If you tackle someone, you attack them and fight them.

[V n] He claims Pasolini overtook and tackled him, pushing him into the dirt.

5) N-UNCOUNT Tackle is the equipment that you need for a sport or activity, especially fishing.

...fishing tackle.

6) N-UNCOUNT Tackle is the equipment, usually consisting of ropes and pulleys, needed for lifting or pulling something.

I finally hoisted him up with a block and tackle.