combat
verb (used with object)
to fight or contend against; oppose vigorously.
had been combating
-
past perfect progressiveof combat.past perfect progressive
Used to describe an action that was ongoing continuously in the past up until another past event interrupted it.
Example Sentences
Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.
While he had been digging in the bowels of one of the world's greatest conquerors, Layla had been combating the Heka priest the two had escaped earlier.
From Salon ● Apr. 21, 2022
Fortunately for Marquis, who had been combating control issues since the first inning, Jimenez was next to the plate, although the ensuing groundball out was far from routine.
From Washington Post ● Jul. 10, 2011
Our troops had been combating an elusive and cruel enemy.
From The Philippines: Past and Present (Volume 1 of 2) by Dean C. Worcester
The even bluster of the mistral, with which he had been combating some hours, had not suspended, though it had embittered, that predominant passion.
From Lay Morals by Robert Louis Stevenson
"Yes, I know, I know,"—he used his most tired voice, as if he had been combating the suggestion all along.
From Love and Lucy by Maurice Henry Hewlett
