com|bat

com|bat

(verb, noun. KOM bat, KUHM-; verb. also kuhm BAT», verb, -bat|ed, -bat|ing or especially British -bat|ted, -bat|ting, noun, adjective.

–v.t.

1. to fight against; oppose in battle: »

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 Arendt).

SYNONYM(S): engage.

2. Figurative. to struggle against; take measures against: »

The whole town turned out to combat the fire. All are dedicated to combating alcoholism (Harper's). We're all in favor of spending whatever is necessary to combat air pollution (New York Times).

–v.i.

to fight or struggle; battle (with or against): »

Figurative. Death seemed combating with life (Scott).

–n.

1. armed fighting between opposing forces; battle: »

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).

SYNONYM(S): See syn. under fight. (Cf. ↑fight)

2. a fight, especially between two; duel.

3. Figurative. any fight or struggle; conflict; contest: »

a combat between two opposing systems of belief.

–adj.

of or for combat; having to do with combat: »

combat boots, combat troops.

╂[< Old French combattre < Late Latin combattuere < Latin com- together with + battuere beat]

–com´bat|a|ble, adjective.