pugilism
UK: ˈpjuːdʒɪlɪzəm | US: ˈpjuːdʒɪlɪzəm
n. the skill, practice, or sport of fighting with fists; boxing.
pugilism = pugil<fist> + ism<noun suffix denoting practice or system>
- pugil: From Latin pugil (boxer, fighter), derived from pugnus (fist).
- ism: A suffix of Greek origin (-ismos), used to form nouns indicating a practice, system, or ideology.
Etymology Origin:
The word pugilism traces back to Latin pugil, meaning "boxer," which itself comes from pugnus (fist). The suffix -ism was later added in English to denote the system or practice of boxing. The term reflects the ancient association of fistfighting as a formal skill or sport, evolving from combative to regulated athletic contexts.
Pugilism was a popular sport in ancient Greece and Rome.
Modern pugilism emphasizes safety rules and protective gear.
His dedication to pugilism earned him a championship title.
The documentary explored the history of pugilism in 19th-century England.
Critics argue that pugilism glorifies violence, while supporters view it as a disciplined art.