the person who plays that position on a football team
"the right tackle is a straight A student"
gear used in fishing
"The old sailor carefully coiled the tangled tackle before stowing it away in his locker."
(American football) grasping an opposing player with the intention of stopping by throwing to the ground
"The linebacker rushed forward to tackle the running back before he could cross the goal line."
A device for grasping an object and an attached means of moving it, as a rope and hook.
"The sailor used the heavy tackle to hoist the sail up the mast."
In plain English: A tackle is an attempt to stop someone from moving by grabbing them with your body during sports.
"The team needs to focus on tackling every ball that comes toward them."
Usage: As a noun, tackle refers to equipment used in sports like football or rugby rather than the act of tackling itself. Do not confuse this with "tack," which describes a small nail for securing canvas or sails.
seize and throw down an opponent player, who usually carries the ball
"The linebacker rushed forward to tackle the running back before he could cross the goal line."
To force a person to the ground with the weight of one's own body, usually by jumping on top or slamming one's weight into him or her.
"The linebacker rushed forward and tackled the running back hard, sending both players sliding across the turf."
In plain English: To tackle something means to grab it firmly and try to stop its movement, often by pushing against it with your body or hands.
"He decided to tackle his homework immediately after dinner."
The word tackle comes from the Middle English term for ship gear, which was borrowed from either Middle Dutch or Middle Low German. Its original meaning referred specifically to a ship's rigging, and it may be related to words meaning "to grasp" in those languages.