combat
UK: ˈkɒmbæt | US: ˈkɑːmbæt
n. a fight or conflict between armed forces or individuals
vt. to actively oppose or strive to reduce something undesirable
vi. to engage in a struggle or fight
combat = com<together> + bat<fight>
- com: Prefix meaning "together" or "with," from Latin cum.
- bat: Root meaning "fight," from Old French battre (to beat), derived from Latin battuere.
Etymology Origin:
The word "combat" entered English in the 16th century from Old French combatre, which itself came from Latin combattere (com- + battuere). The prefix "com-" emphasizes collective action, while "bat" reflects physical struggle. Over time, its meaning expanded from literal fighting to metaphorical opposition (e.g., "combat pollution").
The soldiers trained for hand-to-hand combat.
Governments must combat climate change with urgent policies.
The boxer refused to combat unfairly, despite the opponent's taunts.
Medieval knights engaged in combat to defend their honor.
She combats stress by practicing mindfulness daily.