free-for-all

[ free-fer-awl ]

noun

1. a fight, argument, contest, etc., open to everyone and usually without rules.

   Synonyms: donnybrook, melee, scrap, fracas, brawl

2. any competition or contested situation that is disordered, impulsive, or out of control:

   a free-for-all at the buffet table.

3. Informal. any enterprise or field of endeavor in which various companies, countries, participants, etc., compete without restriction:

   a price-cutting free-for-all among local stores.

adjective

1. open to everyone.

free-for-all

noun

1. informal.
   a disorganized brawl or argument, usually involving all those present

Word History and Origins

Origin of free-for-all¹

An Americanism dating back to 1880–85

Example Sentences

They were surely trying to locate as many rightful owners as possible before the media free-for-all, but news got out.

From The Daily Beast

What started as a website to promote his run for presidency in hours became a free-for-all for negative commentary.

From The Daily Beast

The Internet has emerged as a pharmaceutical free-for-all in recent years.

From The Daily Beast

It was nearly eleven o'clock when the free-for-all running race was announced.

From Project Gutenberg

The method pursued was to read a chapter, and follow with a free-for-all exposition of it.

From Project Gutenberg

The most exciting feature of this weekly frivolity consisted of a free-for-all exercise in mental arithmetic.

From Project Gutenberg

I wondered about Marian; somehow I still don't like seeing a woman tangled up in a free-for-all.

From Project Gutenberg

The Virginia reel was a marvel of supple, exaggerated grace and the quadrille looked like a free-for-all for unbroken colts.

From Project Gutenberg

Related Words

• brawl
• brouhaha
• fracas
• melee
• riot