duel
UK: ˈdjuːəl | US: ˈduːəl
n. a formal combat between two individuals, typically with weapons, to settle a dispute
n. any contest or struggle between two opposing parties
The word "duel" traces back to Latin duellum, an archaic form of bellum (war), later reinterpreted as duo (two) + -ellum to emphasize its one-on-one nature. This evolution highlights the shift from general conflict to a structured, bilateral contest—often romanticized in European chivalric traditions.
The knights agreed to a duel at dawn to resolve their feud.
The debate turned into a verbal duel between the two politicians.
In the 18th century, duels were often fought over matters of honor.
The novel’s climax features a dramatic sword duel.
Modern sports can be seen as a civilized substitute for physical duels.