fight

fight [fīt]

vi.

fought, fighting [ME fighten < OE feohtan, akin to Ger fechten < IE base * pek-, to pluck hair or wool > OE feoh (see FEE) & L pecten, a comb, pecu, cattle]

1.

a) to take part in a physical struggle or battle; struggle

b) to box, esp. professionally

2. to struggle or work hard in trying to beat or overcome someone or something; contend

3. to argue or quarrel; dispute: often with about or over

vt.

1.

a) to oppose physically or in battle, as with fists, weapons, etc.

b) to box with in a contest

2. to try to overcome; struggle against or contend with, as by argument, legislation, etc.

3. to engage in or carry on (a war, conflict, case, etc.)

4. to gain by struggle [to fight one's way to the top]

5. to cause to fight; manage (a boxer, gamecock, etc.)

n.

[ME < OE feoht]

1. a physical struggle; battle; combat

2. any struggle, contest, or quarrel

3. power or readiness to fight; pugnacious spirit [full of fight]

SYN.- CONFLICT

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fight it out

to fight until one side is defeated

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fight off

to struggle to avoid