noun / adjective

combatant

kum-BAT-unt/kəmˈbætnt/

A person or group engaged in or prepared for fighting.

One combatant lunges with a fencing sword while the other parries.

Two protective-equipped fencers actively exchange a lunge and parry, making both visibly engaged participants in a fight rather than spectators or people merely holding weapons.

Etymology

comLatinwith each other

+batLatinto beat, fight

+antOld Frenchpresent-participle ending

The underlying image is beating or fighting with one another. A participial description meaning “fighting” or “warlike” also served as a noun for someone engaged in battle, giving the word its participant sense.

In context

Gravitas Documentaries50:21

there's a place in the game for fighting i accepted the inherent risk i was a willing combatant

Head Games | The Concussion Crisis | FULL DOCUMENTARY

More examples

Both combatants lower their weapons and agree to a truce.
The treaty requires all combatant forces to leave the area.
Each combatant receives food and medical care after surrendering.

Forms

combatant · combatants

combat verb — Fight against an enemy or threat.

Similar words

fighter: Fighter is broader and can include athletes or determined people.
soldier: Soldier specifically means a member of an organized army.