 |
| Language: | Old English |
| Origin: | feohtan |
Related topics:1 to take part in a war or battle 
Later the Indians fought the Anglo settlers.
war
[intransitive and transitive]
Later the Indians fought the Anglo settlers.2 if someone fights another person, or if two people fight, they hit and kick the other person in order to hurt them She fought him desperately, kicking and biting.
hit people
[intransitive and transitive] fight about/over/for They were fighting over a girl.
They were fighting over a girl.She fought him desperately, kicking and biting.3 to try hard to do or get something
try to do something
[intransitive and transitive]4 to try very hard to prevent something or to get rid of something unpleasant that already exists We will fight terrorism, wherever it exists.
prevent something
[intransitive and transitive]We will fight terrorism, wherever it exists.5 to take part in an election or compete strongly for something, especially a job or political position
compete
[intransitive and transitive] fight (somebody) for something He had to fight several other applicants for the job. Both men were used to fighting for power.
He had to fight several other applicants for the job.Both men were used to fighting for power.6 to argue about something
argue
[intransitive] fight with I heard her fighting with the boss.
I heard her fighting with the boss.7DS to take part in a boxing match : Ali fought Foreman for the heavyweight title.
sport
[intransitive and transitive]Ali fought Foreman for the heavyweight title.8 to try very hard not to have or show a feeling : She fought her fear.
emotion
[intransitive and transitive]She fought her fear. fight with She was clearly fighting with her emotions.
She was clearly fighting with her emotions.9 to try to get something or prevent something in a court of law : The insurance company are fighting the claims in court.
law
[transitive]The insurance company are fighting the claims in court.10 to move somewhere with difficulty, for example because there are so many people around you : We fought our way through the crowd.
fight your way (through/past etc somebody/something)
We fought our way through the crowd.11 to try to do something that you probably cannot succeed in doing : I'm fighting a losing battle on this diet.
fight a losing battle
I'm fighting a losing battle on this diet.12 to have a chance to do something or achieve something if you try very hard : Lewis has a fighting chance to win the gold medal.
have a fighting chance
Lewis has a fighting chance to win the gold medal.13 to try very hard to do or achieve something, or to prevent something : He's rich now, but he had to fight tooth and nail for it.
fight tooth and nail (for something)/fight something tooth and nail
He's rich now, but he had to fight tooth and nail for it.15 fight for what you want, without needing help from other people : Mum, I can fight my own battles now.
fight your own battles
Mum, I can fight my own battles now.16 the desire to fight or win : In the second half the team showed their true fighting spirit.
fighting spirit
In the second half the team showed their true fighting spirit.19 if two people fight like cat and dog, they argue a lot because they dislike each other or disagree : I didn't get on with her at work either - we fought like cat and dog.
fight like cat and dog
I didn't get on with her at work either - we fought like cat and dog.21 to try to persuade people that your ideas about something are right and should be accepted : The Prime Minister made it clear that Britain would fight its corner on Europe.
fight your corner
British EnglishThe Prime Minister made it clear that Britain would fight its corner on Europe.22 to try to avoid doing something or being involved in something : Many women fight shy of motherhood.
fight shy of (doing) something
British EnglishMany women fight shy of motherhood.fight back
phrasal verb1 to work hard to achieve or oppose something, especially in a situation where you are losing : United fought back and scored a last-minute goal.
United fought back and scored a last-minute goal.2 to use violence or arguments against someone who has attacked you or argued with you : The rebels are fighting back.
The rebels are fighting back.3 to try hard not to have or show a feeling : He fought back the impulse to slap her.
fight something ↔ back
He fought back the impulse to slap her.fight something ↔ down
phrasal verbDoug fought down a feeling of panic.fight somebody/something ↔ off
phrasal verb1 to keep someone away, or stop them doing something to you, by fighting or opposing them : Bodyguards had to fight off the crowds. The company managed to fight off a takeover attempt.
Bodyguards had to fight off the crowds.The company managed to fight off a takeover attempt.2 to succeed in stopping other people getting something, and to get it for yourself : Allan fought off stiff competition from throughout the UK to win one of only four places at the college.
Allan fought off stiff competition from throughout the UK to win one of only four places at the college.3 to try hard to get rid of something, especially an illness or a feeling : Elaine's fighting off a cold.
Elaine's fighting off a cold.fight something out
phrasal verbWORD FOCUS: argue WORD FOCUS: argue
synonyms: fight, quarrel, have a row British English
to argue about unimportant things: squabble, bicker, quibble
to stop arguing: bury the hatchet, settle your differences, make your peace with somebody, make it up (used about friends or lovers)
➔ See also argue
WORD FOCUS: argue synonyms: fight, quarrel, have a row British English
to argue about unimportant things: squabble, bicker, quibble
to stop arguing: bury the hatchet, settle your differences, make your peace with somebody, make it up (used about friends or lovers)
➔ See also argue
