infighting
UK: ˈɪnfaɪtɪŋ | US: ˈɪnfaɪtɪŋ
n. conflict or rivalry within a group or organization
n. literal fighting at close quarters (rare usage)
The word "infighting" combines "in" (Old English "in," meaning "inside") with "fight" (Old English "feohtan," meaning "to combat") and the suffix "-ing" (forming a noun of action). Originally used in boxing to describe close-range combat, it evolved metaphorically to describe internal conflicts within groups. The morphemes reflect a clear spatial ("in") and action-based ("fight") logic, emphasizing conflict confined within boundaries.
The company's infighting delayed the project for months.
Political infighting weakened the party before the election.
The team's infighting became public after leaked emails.
Infighting among siblings over the inheritance escalated.
The union collapsed due to relentless infighting.