battlefield
UK: ˈbætl̩fiːld | US: ˈbætl̩fiːld
n. a piece of land where a battle is or was fought
n. (figurative) an area of conflict or competition
The word "battlefield" is a straightforward compound of "battle" (from Old French bataille, meaning "fight") and "field" (from Old English feld, meaning "open land"). Historically, battles were often fought in open fields, making the term literal. Over time, it gained figurative use to describe any arena of conflict, such as in politics or business. The morphemes retain their original meanings, emphasizing the physical or metaphorical space where struggles occur.
The ancient battlefield was now a peaceful meadow.
The courtroom became a battlefield for the lawyers.
Historians studied the artifacts found on the Civil War battlefield.
In business, the marketplace is often seen as a competitive battlefield.
The two armies clashed on the battlefield at dawn.