death match

American  

[deth mach] / ˈdɛθ ˌmætʃ /

Or deathmatch

noun

1. Professional Wrestling. a type of wrestling match in which dangerous objects such as nail-studded props, glass, and barbed wire are allowed in a graphically brutal and bloody spectacle.

2. a genre of multiplayer video game in which a player’s goal is to kill or otherwise eliminate opponents’ player characters from the match.

3. a literal or metaphorical fight to the death in which a combatant becomes the victor by eliminating one or more enemies: In a pizza topping death match, who would win—classic pepperoni or exotic pineapple?

   The slasher film Freddy vs. Jason pits the two horror icons against each other in a gory death match.

   In a pizza topping death match, who would win—classic pepperoni or exotic pineapple?

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Etymology

Origin of death match

First recorded in 1955–60 death match for def. 1, in 1970–75 death match for def. 3, and in 1990–95 death match for def. 2

Example Sentences

Annie McGuire is my partner-in-crime tonight, and she will provide you with an in-depth match report at the final whistle.

From BBC • Aug. 3, 2011