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wrangle

verb

/ˈraŋɡl/

IPA:

Dictionary definition of wrangle

To engage in a heated or prolonged argument or dispute, usually about a specific issue.
"The committee had to wrangle over the details of the budget for weeks."

Detailed meaning of wrangle

It is often used to describe a disagreement or a conflict between two or more parties, where the parties involved express their differing opinions or positions in a forceful or contentious manner. The term "wrangle" carries a negative connotation, as it implies a lack of agreement or cooperation, and it can also imply a lack of civility or respect.

In the context of politics or business, "wrangle" is often used to describe a situation where there is a contentious debate or a disagreement among officials or representatives over a specific issue. It can also be used in the context of legal disputes, where the parties involved engage in a prolonged argument or dispute over the facts or the law.

"Wrangle" can also be used in the context of managing or herding animals, where it implies the process of trying to control or corral them. It can also be used in a more general sense to describe any situation where there is a struggle or conflict.

In summary, "wrangle" is used to describe a heated or prolonged argument or dispute, usually about a specific issue, that is characterized by a lack of agreement or cooperation, and often lack of civility or respect. It can be used in various context such as politics, business, legal and even animal management.

Example sentences containing wrangle

1. They had to wrangle the stubborn horse into the stable.
2. The siblings would often wrangle over who got to sit in the front seat of the car.
3. The lawyers had to wrangle over the terms of the contract before reaching an agreement.
4. He tried to wrangle a discount from the store manager by negotiating.
5. The children would often wrangle over which game to play.
6. The politicians would wrangle over policy decisions during the heated debate.

History and etymology of wrangle

The verb 'wrangle' has a rustic and evocative etymology rooted in Old English and Old Norse. It originates from the Old English word 'wranglian,' which means 'to argue' or 'to dispute.' This Old English term is closely related to the Old Norse word 'rangr,' signifying 'wrong' or 'crooked.' The connection between 'wrangle' and 'rangr' is evident in their shared association with contentious or incorrect matters. Over time, 'wrangle' evolved to describe heated and prolonged arguments, often focused on specific issues. Thus, the etymology of 'wrangle' carries with it the sense of grappling with disagreements and disputes, where the truth or rightness of a matter may be crooked or contentious, echoing its historical linguistic roots.

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Further usage examples of wrangle

1. The cowboys had to wrangle the herd of cattle across the vast prairie.
2. The team had to wrangle with unexpected challenges during the project.
3. The siblings would occasionally wrangle over their parents' attention.
4. The two friends would often wrangle good-naturedly over trivial matters.
5. The union representatives would wrangle with the management over better working conditions.
6. The climbers had to wrangle with the challenging terrain as they made their way up the mountain.
7. The siblings would wrangle over the last piece of cake, playfully tugging at it.
8. The group had to wrangle with conflicting schedules to find a suitable meeting time.
9. The attorneys would wrangle over the admissibility of evidence in court.
10. The competing companies would wrangle over market share in fierce competition.
11. The parents had to wrangle the misbehaving children at the family gathering.
12. The siblings would occasionally wrangle over household chores, trying to assign the least favorable tasks to each other.
13. The opposing teams would wrangle over possession of the ball during the intense soccer match.
14. The neighbors would wrangle over parking spaces in the crowded residential area.