Grapple (verb)

1. To engage in a struggle or close encounter, either physical or metaphorical.
2. To seize and hold onto something firmly, usually with a grappling hook.
3. To try to understand or come to terms with a difficult or complex problem or issue.

Origin:

From old french grapil 'a hook or clamp'.

Examples:

1. The two wrestlers grappled fiercely for the championship title.
2. The pirate ship grappled onto the merchant vessel and boarded it.
3. The researchers grappled with the complexities of the data set for months before finally making a breakthrough.