infighting

[in-fahy-ting]

noun

1. fighting fighting at close range.

2. fighting fighting between rivals, people closely associated, members of a group, etc.; internecine contention.

3. free-for-all fighting. fighting.

infighting

/ ˈɪnˌfaɪtɪŋ /

noun

1. boxing combat at close quarters in which proper blows are inhibited and the fighters try to wear down each other's strength

2. intense competition, as between members of the same organization, esp when kept secret from outsiders

Other Word Forms

• infighter noun

Word History and Origins

Origin of infighting¹

First recorded in 1810–20; in- ¹ + fighting

Example Sentences

Lawmakers had voted on Friday to remove Gombojav Zandanshatar after weeks of political infighting and a dispute over a policy that changed how mineral exporters are taxed.

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A majority of lawmakers voted to dismiss Gombojav Zandanshatar on Friday after weeks of political infighting and a dispute over a policy that changed how mineral exporters are taxed.

Read more on Barron's

A severe economic crisis and infighting within Mas, which has dominated Bolivian politics since 2006, saw many voters wanting change.

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The city is scrambling to stave off the looming shortage amid political infighting.

Read more on The Wall Street Journal

Since then, the coalition—which ranges from the far-left France Unbowed to socialists and greens—has become consumed with infighting.

Read more on The Wall Street Journal

Related Words

• fighting 
• rumble 
• struggle