dogfight

[dawg-fahyt, dog-]

noun

1. a violent fight between dogs.

2. a fight between warring fighter planes.

3. any rough-and-tumble physical battle.

verb (used with object)

dogfought, dogfighting 

1. to engage in a dogfight with.

verb (used without object)

dogfought, dogfighting 

1. to engage in a dogfight.

dogfight

/ ˈdɒɡˌfaɪt /

noun

1. close quarters combat between fighter aircraft

2. any rough violent fight

Word History and Origins

Origin of dogfight¹

1650–60; 1915 dogfight for def. 2; dog + fight

Example Sentences

"There was a whole range of different dogfighters in there, all collaborating, chatting, sharing videos. It gave us a real insight to the global perspective of dogfighting."

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Former NFL running back LeShon Johnson was convicted of running a large-scale dogfighting operation for the second time in 20 years.

Read more on Los Angeles Times

Authorities took 190 pit bulls and other dogs from his property, the most ever seized from an individual in a federal dogfighting case.

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“You know it’s going to be a dogfight. Every game is going to be a dogfight from the end of the season until the end of the year.”

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Pakistan responded with air raids, leading to a dogfight and the brief capture of an Indian pilot.

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Related Words

• action 
• altercation 
• argument 
• battle 
• bout 
• brawl 
• clash 
• combat 
• conflict 
• confrontation 
• contest 
• controversy 
• disagreement 
• dispute 
• duel 
• exchange 
• feud 
• match 
• melee 
• quarrel