grapnel
|grap-nel|
/ˈɡræpnəl/
small hook to seize or hold
Etymology
'grapnel' originates from Old French, specifically the word 'grappin', where the root 'grapp-' (from a Germanic source, compare Frankish '*grapnan') meant 'to seize' and the suffix '-el' is a diminutive.
'grapnel' changed from Old French 'grappin' into Middle English forms such as 'grapenel'/'grapnel' and eventually became the modern English word 'grapnel'.
Initially, it meant 'a hook or tool for seizing or grasping'; over time the meaning narrowed and specialized to denote a small anchor-like hook used for securing or recovering objects (especially in nautical contexts).
Meanings by Part of Speech
Noun 1
a small anchor or hook with several flukes used for securing, holding, or recovering objects (often from water or wrecks); a grappling hook.
He threw a grapnel ashore to secure the small boat.
Synonyms
Last updated: 2026/01/12 18:37