tackle

Meanings

1. 1
   noun

   in American football, a position on the line of scrimmage

   It takes a lot of size and strength to play tackle.

2. 2
   noun

   the person who plays that position on a football team

   the right tackle is a straight A student

3. 3
   verb

   accept as a challenge

   I'll tackle this difficult task

4. 4
   noun

   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. ..."

5. 5
   verb

   To face or deal with, attempting to overcome or fight down.

   The government's measures to tackle crime were insufficient.

6. 6
   verb

   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.

7. 7
   noun

   (American football) grasping an opposing player with the intention of stopping by throwing to the ground

8. 8
   noun

   gear used in fishing

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.