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DictionaryfightPhysical combat
noun / verb

fight

FYTE/faɪt/

A struggle to overcome an opponent's resistance.

The two boxers fight as one punches and the other blocks.

Two similarly aged adult boxers actively fight in a sparring bout: one throws a straight punch while the other blocks it with raised gloves.
Etymology
fightOld Englishto combat, strive

Old English feohtan covered armed combat and striving. The meaning broadened to offering resistance or struggling, allowing fight to describe effort against an obstacle as well as physical combat.

In context

Dan Snow's History Hit32:16
Two fleets armed with cannon. They were about to fight a multi-day battle on the high seas.
Historian Explains: The Incredible Spanish Armada!

More examples

  • A fight breaks out between two fans after the game.
  • Neighbors fight to keep their local school open.
  • They had a fight about who should wash the dishes.

Forms

fight · fights · fought · fighting

fighter noun — Someone who fights, especially a boxer.

Similar words

battle
Often suggests a larger, longer, or more organized conflict.
brawl
A disorderly physical fight, often involving several people.
struggle
Emphasizes difficult effort against resistance, not necessarily physical violence.