combat

verb

com·​bat kəm-ˈbat  ˈkäm-ˌbat 

combated or combatted; combating or combatting

intransitive verb

: to engage in combat : fight

transitive verb

1

: to fight with : battle

2

: to struggle against

especially : to strive to reduce or eliminate

combat pollution

Synonyms of combat

• fight
• battle

Choose the Right Synonym for combat

oppose, combat, resist, withstand mean to set oneself against someone or something.

oppose can apply to any conflict, from mere objection to bitter hostility or warfare.

opposed the plan

combat stresses the forceful or urgent countering of something.

combat disease

resist implies an overt recognition of a hostile or threatening force and a positive effort to counteract or repel it.

resisting temptation

withstand suggests a more passive resistance.

trying to withstand peer pressure

Examples of combat in a Sentence

The drug helps combat infection.

She dedicated her life to combating poverty.

Exercise can help combat the effects of stress.

The mayor pledged to combat crime.

They have been combating the rebels for months.

Recent Examples on the Web

Snipes agrees, adding that in his area, yuzu trees infested with Asian citrus psyllid must be cut down to combat it. —Rae Ford, Martha Stewart, 7 June 2026

Courthouse News reported last month that 20 Democratic state attorneys general opted to skip a recent White House roundtable on combatting fraud, claiming the invitation came too late. —Las Vegas Review-Journal, Twin Cities, 7 June 2026

Meanwhile, Sánchez, a former minister now popular with rural voters, has pledged to combat corruption within the police force and promote reforms that would enable the military to support security efforts. —ABC News, 7 June 2026

Courthouse News reported last month that 20 Democratic state attorneys general — including Massachusetts Attorney General Andrea Campbell — opted to skip a recent White House roundtable on combatting fraud, claiming the invitation came too late. —Editorial, Boston Herald, 7 June 2026

Word History

First Known Use

1564, in the meaning defined at intransitive sense

Phrases Containing combat

• combat fatigue
• hors de combat
• mortal combat
• single combat

Kids Definition

combat

1 of 2 noun

com·​bat ˈkäm-ˌbat 

1

: a fight or contest between individuals or groups

2

: conflict entry 1 sense 2

3

: active fighting in a war : action

soldiers experienced in combat

combat

2 of 2 verb

com·​bat kəm-ˈbat 

ˈkäm-ˌbat

combated or combatted; combating or combatting

1

: to fight with : battle

2

: to struggle against

especially : to strive to reduce or eliminate

combat disease