1. To exert a lot of physical energy to overcome someone or some force, barrier, or restriction. I struggled against the handcuffs, but there was no way to get out of them. The wind was blowing so hard that I had to struggle against the door to get it open. The criminal struggled against the two police officers as they led him away to the squad car.

2. To make a strenuous, determined effort to resist, overcome, or fight against someone or something. The rebels have been struggling against the regime for nearly a decade. Our country has struggled against many difficulties since gaining independence, but we've always managed to persevere. I know she's been struggling against addiction for a number or years.