scuffle

American  

[skuhf-uhl] / ˈskʌf əl /

verb (used without object)

scuffled, scuffling

1. to struggle or fight in a rough, confused manner.

2. to go or move in hurried confusion.

3. to move or go with a shuffle; scuff.

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noun

1. a rough, confused struggle or fight.

   Synonyms:

   row, tussle, scrap

2. a shuffling.

   a scuffle of feet.

3. Also called scuffle hoe.  a spadelike hoe that is pushed instead of pulled.

4. (in tap dancing) a forward and backward movement of the foot.

scuffle ¹ British  

/ ˈskʌfəl /

verb

1. to fight in a disorderly manner

2. to move by shuffling

3. to move in a hurried or confused manner

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noun

1. a disorderly struggle

2. the sound made by scuffling or shuffling

scuffle ² British  

/ ˈskʌfəl /

noun

1. a type of hoe operated by pushing rather than pulling

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Other Word Forms

• scuffler noun
• scufflingly adverb

Etymology

Origin of scuffle

First recorded in 1570–80; scuff, -le

Example Sentences

Multiple videos from the scene - taken from different angles - show the scuffle between federal immigration officers and Pretti.

From BBC

Videos have emerged showing a scuffle between Border Patrol agents and the man in the lead up to the shooting.

From BBC

The man's family has disputed the DHS' version of events in an interview with the Washington Post, saying he was shot in the doorway and not during a scuffle in the street.

From BBC

On Wednesday, an ambulance arrived at HMP Bronzefield in Surrey - and video posted on social media shows scuffles between protesters and police.

From BBC

I think he’s talking about the scuffle with Gene—he must have seen it go down.

From Literature

Related Words

• brawl
• commotion
• disturbance
• fracas
• ruckus
• strife
• tussle
• wrangle