Fighting
/ˈfaɪtɪŋ/
Definitions
3 meaningsTo struggle against someone or something, often physically or verbally.
/ˈfaɪtɪŋ/
To engage in a physical or verbal conflict.
The two dogs were fighting in the park.
💡 Simply: It's like when you and your friend are arguing, or when superheroes are battling the bad guys. It means you're trying really hard to win or stop something.
👶 For kids: When you try to hurt or argue with someone or something.
More Examples
He is always fighting for the rights of others.
She spent all afternoon fighting the flu.
How It's Used
"They were fighting over the last piece of cake."
"Politicians are constantly fighting for their party's agenda."
A physical or verbal conflict, often involving two or more parties.
/ˈfaɪtɪŋ/
The act of engaging in a battle or struggle.
The fighting between the two countries continued for years.
💡 Simply: It's when people or teams or even animals are battling or arguing with each other. It can be a sports game, a war, or even a really big argument.
👶 For kids: When people or animals try to hurt each other.
More Examples
The team's fighting spirit kept them in the game.
He was injured during the fighting.
How It's Used
"The fighting was intense during the battle."
"The fighting was a display of both skill and courage."
Participating in a struggle, war, or conflict.
/ˈfaɪtɪŋ/
Being engaged in a battle or struggle.
The fighting soldiers were brave.
💡 Simply: If something is *fighting*, it means it's in the middle of a battle or a struggle. This could be a real war or a tough competition.
👶 For kids: In the middle of trying to hurt or argue with someone.
More Examples
She showed a fighting determination to succeed.
The fighting spirit of the team drove them to victory.
How It's Used
"The fighting troops were deployed to the front lines."
"She showed a fighting spirit when she overcame her illness."
Synonyms & Antonyms
Idioms & expressions
fight tooth and nail
To do everything possible to achieve something; to fight fiercely.
"She fought tooth and nail to get the job."
pick a fight
To deliberately start a physical or verbal conflict.
"He was trying to pick a fight with anyone who looked at him."
fight fire with fire
To respond to an attack or problem with similar tactics or methods.
"They decided to fight fire with fire and counter their opponent's negative campaign with their own."
From Middle English *fihten*, from Old English *feohtan* (“to fight, contend”), from Proto-Germanic *fehtaną*.
The word has existed in similar forms since Old English, reflecting the enduring nature of conflict and struggle throughout human history.
Memory tip
Imagine a boxing match: fists flying means fighting.
Word Origin
"to fight"