Fight — Defs

01 v. i. To strive or contened for victory, with armies or in single combat; to attempt to defeat, subdue, or destroy an enemy, either by blows or w…

imp. & p. p. Fought; p. pr. & vb. n. Fighting

1.
To strive or contened for victory, with armies or in single combat; to attempt to defeat, subdue, or destroy an enemy, either by blows or weapons; to contend in arms; -- followed by with or against.
“You do fight against your country's foes.” — Shak.

“To fight with thee no man of arms will deign.” — Milton.
2.
To act in opposition to anything; to struggle against; to contend; to strive; to make resistance.

Phrases & compounds

To fight shy — to avoid meeting fairly or at close quarters; to keep out of reach.

02 v. t. To carry on, or wage, as a conflict, or battle; to win or gain by struggle, as one's way; to sustain by fighting, as a cause.

1.
To carry on, or wage, as a conflict, or battle; to win or gain by struggle, as one's way; to sustain by fighting, as a cause.
“He had to fight his way through the world.” — Macaulay.

“I have fought a good fight.” — 2 Tim. iv. 7.
2.
To contend with in battle; to war against; as, they fought the enemy in two pitched battles; the sloop fought the frigate for three hours.
3.
To cause to fight; to manage or maneuver in a fight; as, to fight cocks; to fight one's ship.

Phrases & compounds

To fight it out — to fight until a decisive and conclusive result is reached.

03 n. A battle; an engagement; a contest in arms; a combat; a violent conflict or struggle for victory, between individuals or between armies, sh…

1.
A battle; an engagement; a contest in arms; a combat; a violent conflict or struggle for victory, between individuals or between armies, ships, or navies, etc.
“Who now defies thee thrice to single fight.” — Milton.
2.
A struggle or contest of any kind.
3.
Strength or disposition for fighting; pugnacity; as, he has a great deal of fight in him.[Colloq.]
4.
A screen for the combatants in ships.[Obs.]
“Up with your fights, and your nettings prepare.” — Dryden.

Phrases & compounds

Running fight — a fight in which the enemy is continually chased; also, one which continues without definite end or result.