WordGarden.iofight
A1Pronunciation
UK
- /fˈaɪt/
US
- /ˈfaɪt/
Meanings
Verb
to take part in physical combat or violence
to argue or quarrel with someone
to work hard against something or for a goal
Noun
a physical struggle, battle, or violent clash
an argument or quarrel
a determined effort against something or for a goal
More meaningsFewer meanings
a boxing, wrestling, or similar combat-sport contest
readiness or determination to keep trying
Beyond the definition
A fight isn't always about fists flying! It can be a physical struggle between people, like a schoolyard scuffle or a boxing match. But "fight" also describes any strong effort against something that stands in your way. You might fight for what you believe in, fight an illness, or even fight the urge to eat that extra slice of cake.
Think of it like this: whenever something pushes against you and you push back, you're in a fight. A legal battle is a fight in a courtroom, while a political fight happens through debate and campaigning. Sometimes, "fight" can even be used playfully: "Let's fight over the last cookie!"
The word "fight" carries a lot of weight. At its most literal, it describes a physical altercation, a struggle between people involving force or combat. Think of knights in shining armor in a joust, or two boxers battling it out in a ring: "They engaged in a fierce fight for the championship title."
However, "fight" extends far beyond physical violence. It's also a strong metaphor for any hard struggle against opposition, obstacles, or hardship. You can fight a disease by going through treatment and pushing through discomfort. You might fight injustice by working for change and challenging unfair systems. A company could fight to keep its place in a competitive market.
"Fight" also implies determination and resilience. To "put up a fight" means to resist strongly, even when facing overwhelming odds. Someone who is "fighting fit" is strong and healthy, ready for any challenge. You can even fight your own internal battles—like overcoming fears or bad habits: "She fought her anxiety with therapy and mindfulness."
Historically, "fight" comes from Old English roots meaning "to contend" or "struggle." It's a word deeply ingrained in the human experience—reflecting our inherent drive to overcome challenges and defend what we value.
So whether it's a physical clash, an internal struggle, or a battle for principle, "fight" embodies the spirit of resistance, determination, and the pursuit of victory against all odds.
Examples
- 1
Physical conflict
The two boys started to fight in the playground.
- 2
Military conflict
The soldiers fought for control of the bridge.
- 3
Self-defense
She learned to fight back when people tried to bully her.
- Phrasefight back
defend yourself or resist
- 4
Disease control
Doctors are still fighting against the spread of the disease.
- Patternfight against + problem
try hard to stop it
More examplesFewer examples
- 5
Budget negotiation
We had to fight for every dollar in the budget.
- Patternfight for + goal/resource
try hard to get or keep it
- 6
Argument topic
They fought over who should drive home.
- Patternfight over + issue
argue angrily about it
- 7
Family argument
I'm tired of fighting with my brother about money.
- Patternfight with + person
argue with them
- 8
Illness
He has been fighting cancer for two years.
- 9
Worker rights
The union is fighting to protect workers' jobs.
- Patternfight to + verb
make a strong effort to achieve something
- 10
Conflict avoidance
She didn't want a fight, so she walked away.
- 11
Public violence
There was a fight outside the bar after midnight.
- 12
Resistance
We need to put up a fight if we want better working conditions.
- Phraseput up a fight
resist strongly
See also
Forms and spellings
4 forms open this card.
Main spelling
- fightnounverb
Forms
- fighting-ing formverbnoun
- foughtpast tensepast participleverbnoun
- fightspluralnounverb