infighting

American  

[in-fahy-ting] / ˈɪnˌfaɪ tɪŋ /

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.

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infighting British  

/ 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

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Other Word Forms

• infighter noun

Etymology

Origin of infighting

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

Example Sentences

She told waiting reporters she harboured "no hard feelings" towards the new leader although, in an apparent jab at the infighting she has endured, she added that it was important he get "clear air, something that is not always afforded to leaders".

From BBC

Infighting over who should run the organization has continued, according to people involved in internal discussions.

From The Wall Street Journal

Still, he compared their rivalry to the type of familial infighting that is often ultimately resolved.

From The Wall Street Journal

Analysts say this may indicate infighting within Georgian Dream's leadership, some of whom have been hit by Western sanctions.

From Barron's

Agitation, on the other hand—the sort of I-told-ya-so infighting, finger-pointing, and disenchantment which followed Sunday’s rude playoff dismissal by San Francisco?

From The Wall Street Journal

Related Words

• fighting
• rumble
• struggle