Entry Word: fight

Function: noun

Meaning: 1 a physical dispute between opposing individuals or groups <a troubled youth who got into one fight after another>

Synonyms battle, clash, combat, conflict, contest, fracas, fray, hassle, scrap, scrimmage, scuffle, skirmish, struggle, tussle

Related Words pitched battle; brawl, free-for-all, melee; fisticuffs; confrontation, duel, face-off; altercation, argument, disagreement, quarrel, row, wrangle

2 a forceful effort to reach a goal or objective <the mayoral candidate pledged to lead a successful fight to improve the cityʼs schools> — see struggle 1
3 an inclination to fight or quarrel <a tough, streetwise kid with a lot of fight in him> — see belligerence
4 an often noisy or angry expression of differing opinions <the couple have their share of fights, but they quickly get over them> — see argument 1