battle
UK: ˈbæt.l̩ | US: ˈbæt̬.l̩
n. a sustained fight between large organized armed forces
n. a prolonged effort to achieve a goal or overcome a challenge
vt. to engage in a struggle or conflict
The word "battle" traces back to Old French bataille, derived from Latin battuālia (fighting exercises), which stems from battuere (to beat or strike). The morpheme batt- reflects the core idea of striking, while -le (via Old French -aille) denotes a collective or repeated action. Over time, the term evolved from literal physical combat to metaphorical struggles, retaining its aggressive undertones.
The soldiers prepared for the decisive battle at dawn.
She battled cancer with unwavering courage.
The legal battle over the property lasted years.
Environmentalists continue to battle against deforestation.
The boxer battled his opponent fiercely in the ring.