combat

American  

[kuhm-bat, kom-bat, kuhm-, kom-bat, kuhm-] / kəmˈbæt, ˈkɒm bæt, ˈkʌm-, ˈkɒm bæt, ˈkʌm- /

verb (used with object)

combated, combating, combatted, combatting

1. to fight or contend against; oppose vigorously.

   to combat crime.

   Synonyms:

   contest, struggle

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verb (used without object)

combated, combating, combatted, combatting

1. to battle; contend.

   to combat with disease.

   Synonyms:

   contest, struggle

noun

1. Military. active, armed fighting with enemy forces.

2. a fight, struggle, or controversy, as between two persons, teams, or ideas.

combat British  

noun

1. a fight, conflict, or struggle

2. 1. an action fought between two military forces

   2. ( as modifier )

      a combat jacket

3. a fight between two individuals; duel

4. fighting at close quarters

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verb

1. (tr) to fight or defy

2. (intr; often foll by with or against) to struggle or strive (against); be in conflict (with)

   to combat against disease

Usage

What does combat mean? Combat is most commonly used in a military context to refer to active fighting among opposing armies. To engage in combat is to engage in fighting. This kind of combat most commonly takes place on a battlefield or warzone on the ground (called a combat zone). Aerial combat involves fighting in the air among air forces. Hand-to-hand combat involves close fighting, often literally with one’s hands. Combat is often used as a modifier (adjective) in terms that refer to things related to or involving combat, such as combat training, combat medic, combat fatigue, and combat boots. Combat is sometimes used more broadly or figuratively to refer to active conflict between two people or groups, as in The two corporations are preparing to do combat in the courtroom. The term verbal combat refers to fighting with words. Combat is also commonly used as a verb meaning to oppose or work to defeat. It’s especially used when the thing to be defeated is intangible or abstract, as in We need to combat climate change or Our organization works to combat poverty. The figurative senses of the verbs fight and battle are close synonyms of this sense of combat. The sides engaging in combat can be called combatants. The adjective combative means inclined to fight. Example: The objective of basic training is to prepare our soldiers for combat.

Related Words

See fight

Other Word Forms

• combatable
  adjective
• combater
  noun
• intercombat
  noun
• precombat
  noun
• self-combating
  adjective
• uncombatable
  adjective
• uncombated
  adjective

Etymology

Origin of combat

First recorded in 1535–45; from Middle French combat (noun), combattre (verb), from Late Latin combattere, from Latin com- com- + Late Latin battere, from Latin battuere “to strike, beat”

Explanation

Combat is fighting between two groups of armed forces. When you engage in combat, typically this means you engage in fighting that involves weapons. Combat comes from the Latin com- meaning "together with" and battere meaning "to fight." Combat can be used as a modifier; for example, a combat zone is an area where fighting is taking place. The word combat can also be used to refer to the action of fighting against something to prevent it. An after-school program for kids is working to combat the issue of street violence by creating a safe space where kids can go as an alternative.

Example Sentences

Even so, defense analysts say the crackdown has raised questions over combat readiness and morale across a two-million-strong force.

From The Wall Street Journal • May 7, 2026

Some tour companies are trying to combat the practice, with operator Thomas Cook offering tourists the option to pre-book a spot beside the pool for an additional fee.

From BBC • May 6, 2026

Iran has claimed none of its combat vessels was harmed.

From Barron's • May 5, 2026

All of these instances, he said, are “below the threshold of restarting major combat operations at this point.”

From Los Angeles Times • May 5, 2026

The 369th, popularly known as the Harlem Hellfighters, fought with the French at Château-Thierry and Belleau Wood, spending 191 days in combat, longer than any other American unit.

From "The War to End All Wars: World War I" by Russell Freedman

Related Words

• action
• conflict
• contest
• encounter
• engagement
• fight
• fray
• shootout
• skirmish
• struggle
• war
• warfare