To tackle means to deal with a difficult problem or challenge directly and energetically. When you tackle your homework, you sit down and work through it with focus and determination. When a team tackles a big project, they dive in and start solving the problems one by one.

The word suggests courage and directness rather than avoiding or postponing something hard. A scientist might tackle the challenge of curing a disease. A group of students might tackle the problem of litter on their playground. Teachers often say “Let's tackle this problem” when facing something that requires real effort.

In football and similar sports, to tackle means to stop an opponent by grabbing or throwing them to the ground. A defensive player tackles the person carrying the ball to prevent them from advancing. Rugby, soccer, and hockey players also make tackles, though the rules differ for each sport.

The equipment used in these sports is called tackle. Fishing equipment like rods, reels, hooks, and line is also called tackle. Whether you're tackling a math problem or tackling an opponent in a game, you're taking direct action to deal with what's in front of you.