to fight fiercely; to engage in mortal combat; to battle intensely
Meanings
2 senses · 6 examplesverb
to engage in hand-to-hand combat; to fight fiercely with weapons
Originally describes close-range, often life-and-death fighting using weapons. Can be used literally in descriptions of historical or violent confrontations.
The police engaged in a fierce fight with the criminals in the alley.
This general once led his troops from the front, fighting the enemy in close combat.
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He was seriously injured during the struggle with the criminal.
verb
to compete intensely; to battle fiercely (in contests or games)
Used metaphorically for high-stakes competition in areas like sports, business, or intellectual games (like chess, Go), emphasizing intensity and skill.
The two chess players engaged in a fierce battle in the final, creating a thrilling scene.
The two companies engaged in an intense commercial battle in the international market.
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The match entered its final minute, and both sides were still battling fiercely for the championship.