battleground
UK: ˈbætl̩ɡraʊnd | US: ˈbætl̩ɡraʊnd
n. a place where a battle is fought
n. (figurative) an area of conflict or competition
The word "battleground" is a compound of "battle" (from Old French bataille, meaning "fight") and "ground" (from Old English grund, meaning "land" or "soil"). It literally means "land where a fight occurs." Over time, it expanded metaphorically to describe any arena of intense conflict, such as politics or business. The morphemes retain their original meanings while combining logically to form the modern term.
The ancient battleground is now a peaceful memorial site.
Social media has become a battleground for political debates.
The valley was once a battleground during the civil war.
In business, pricing strategies often turn the market into a battleground.
Environmental policies are a battleground for activists and corporations.