combat in English
- combat⇄adj. combatable.
- combat⇄adj. of or for combat; having to do with combat.
Ex. combat boots, combat troops. - combat⇄combat, verb, -bated,-batingor (especially British)-batted,-batting,noun, adjective.
- combat⇄noun 1. armed fighting between opposing forces; battle.
Ex. The soldier was wounded in combat. It [the U.S.S. Salu] will be armed with guided missiles and is designed for combat against land, air, sea and underwater enemies (Newsweek).
2. a - combat⇄v.i. to fight or struggle; battle (with or against).
Ex. (Figurative.) Death seemed combating with life (Scott). - combat⇄v.t. 1. to fight against; oppose in battle.
Ex. The British and Americans combated French efforts to control North America for 100 years before the American Revolution. Its task was defined as ""combatting opponents hostile to the state"" (Hannah A
combat in Gujarati ગુજરાતી
combat in Kashmiri कॉशुर
combat in Sindhi سنڌي
Combat
Part of Speech
Noun, Verb
Pronunciation
IPA: /ˈkɒmbæt/ (UK), /ˈkɑːmbæt/ (US)
Definitions
- As a noun: A fight, battle, or struggle, especially between armed forces.
- As a verb: To engage in physical fighting or struggle against someone or something.
- Figuratively: To struggle or fight against something abstract, such as a problem, situation, or challenge.
Usage Examples
- The soldiers engaged in combat for hours.
- She fought to combat the effects of the disease.
- The two countries are in active combat over border disputes.
Etymology
From Old French combatre, derived from Late Latin com-battere, meaning "to fight," from com- (with, together) and battere (to beat, strike). The word "combat" emerged in the 14th century and was originally used in the sense of physical fighting or war.
Synonyms
Fight, battle, skirmish, struggle, clash, engage, contend, wrestle
Antonyms
Peace, harmony, agreement, truce, cooperation
Translations
| Language | Translation | Pronunciation |
|---|---|---|
| Spanish | Combate | /komˈβate/ |
| French | Combat | /kɔ̃ba/ |
| German | Kampf | /kampf/ |
| Hindi | युद्ध | /yudh/ |
| Tamil | போராட்டம் | /pōrāṭṭam/ |
Regional Pronunciation Variations
- British English: /ˈkɒmbæt/
- American English: /ˈkɑːmbæt/
- Australian English: /ˈkɑːmbæt/
Historical Usage
The term "combat" has been in use since the 14th century, originally referring to a duel or single fight, often between two knights. Over time, it expanded to refer to larger-scale battles and conflicts, particularly in military contexts. By the 19th century, "combat" was commonly used to describe not only physical warfare but also struggles in a metaphorical sense, such as fighting against disease or social issues.
Cultural Nuances
In many cultures, combat has both historical and symbolic significance, representing not only physical struggle but also the defense of honor, territory, and values. In ancient times, combat was often ritualized, with warriors or soldiers gaining respect for their prowess in battle. Today, the word "combat" is used broadly in both literal and figurative contexts, such as in "combat sports" or "combating corruption," reflecting its evolution from strictly physical fighting to a term used to describe efforts against various societal challenges.
More Information
Combat, in its most direct form, refers to physical fighting, typically in the context of military conflict, martial arts, or self-defense. Throughout history, combat has been a central aspect of human conflict and resolution, whether between individuals, groups, or nations. The term is also used metaphorically to describe the act of fighting against social, environmental, or personal challenges, such as "combating poverty" or "combating climate change." Combat as a verb suggests active engagement in overcoming obstacles, whether these are physical opponents or abstract problems.
In modern warfare, the term "combat" is often associated with combat zones, military tactics, and the psychology of soldiers. In the context of sports, "combat" is often used to describe events like boxing, wrestling, and martial arts, where participants physically contend with one another. Over time, the concept of combat has become increasingly tied to the idea of overcoming adversity, be it in personal life or in the global stage.