a hostile meeting of opposing military forces in the course of a war; Grant won a decisive victory in the battle of Chickamauga; he lost his romantic ideas about war when he got into a real engagement

[ Syn: battle , conflict , engagement ]

the act of fighting; any contest or struggle; a fight broke out at the hockey game; there was fighting in the streets; the unhappy couple got into a terrible scrap

[ Syn: fighting , combat , scrap ]

an aggressive willingness to compete; the team was full of fight

[ Syn: competitiveness ]

an intense verbal dispute; a violent fight over the bill is expected in the Senate'

a boxing or wrestling match; the fight was on television last night'

be engaged in a fight; carry on a fight; the tribesmen fought each other; Siblings are always fighting; Militant groups are contending for control of the country

[ Syn: contend , struggle ]

fight against or resist strongly; The senator said he would oppose the bill; Dont fight it!

[ Syn: oppose , fight back , fight down , defend ]

make a strenuous or labored effort; She struggled for years to survive without welfare; He fought for breath

[ Syn: struggle ]

exert oneself continuously, vigorously, or obtrusively to gain an end or engage in a crusade for a certain cause or person; be an advocate for; The liberal party pushed for reforms; She is crusading for womens rights; The Dean is pushing for his favorite candidate

[ Syn: crusade , press , campaign , push , agitate ]