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DictionaryskirmishMinor clash
noun / verb

skirmish

SKUR-mish/ˈskɜːrmɪʃ/

A brief, minor clash between opposing sides.

A brief skirmish breaks out between patrols near the border.

Two opposing pairs of medieval soldiers briefly clash shields on outskirts of a field, non-graphic minor fight.
Etymology
skirmishOld Frenchskirmish

The French ancestor named a skirmish, and early English used it for irregular fighting, especially between small groups of soldiers. That small-scale clash supplies the image for a minor fight or argument.

In context

Kings and Generals256:01
A brief cavalry skirmish ensued at Penavla on August 15th, which bought time
War of the Spanish Succession: All Battles and Events - FULL DOCUMENTARY

More examples

  • The candidates skirmish over taxes during the debate.
  • The troops skirmished briefly before withdrawing.
  • Their occasional skirmishes over chores rarely last long.

Forms

skirmish · skirmishes · skirmished · skirmishing

skirmisher noun — A soldier who fights in small clashes.

Similar words

clash
Can describe a larger or more serious confrontation.
scuffle
Usually involves brief, close physical struggling between people.
spat
Describes a petty verbal quarrel rather than physical fighting.