combat

com-bat · noun

imported

Definitions

noun

  1. 1.

    Fighting between armed forces.

  2. 2.

    A struggle or contest between opposing forces.

  3. 3.

    To fight against; to oppose.

Forms

plural: combats

Phrases & expressions

  • •
    hand-to-hand combat — close-range fighting
  • •
    combat zone — an area of active fighting
  • •
    combat boots — sturdy military footwear
  • •
    mortal combat — fighting to the death

Related words

Antonyms: harmony, peace, truce
See also: battle, conflict, fight, war
Synonyms: battle, conflict, fight, warfare

Etymology

From Old French combatre meaning "to fight," from Late Latin combattere, from com- ("with, together") and battere ("to beat, strike").