skirmish
UK: /ˈskɜː.mɪʃ/ | US: /ˈskɝː.mɪʃ/
n. a minor or brief conflict or dispute, often spontaneous
n. (military) a small-scale, irregular fight between small groups
vi. to engage in a minor battle or argument
skirmish = skirm<to fight> + ish<verb/noun suffix>
- skirm (from Old French escarmouche "skirmish," derived from Italian scaramuccia, ultimately from Germanic skirmjan "to protect, defend")
- ish (a suffix forming nouns or verbs, often indicating action or association)
Etymology Origin:
The word "skirmish" traces back to Germanic roots via Old French and Italian, originally tied to the idea of "defensive combat." Over time, it narrowed to describe small, spontaneous clashes—reflecting its evolution from broader military contexts to minor conflicts. The Germanic skirmjan ("to protect") hints at its early connection to shielding or warding off, later adapting to describe quick, scattered battles.
The debate turned into a heated skirmish over minor details.
Patrols encountered a skirmish with enemy scouts near the border.
Protesters and police skirmished briefly before dispersing.
Historical records describe the battle as a series of skirmishes.
The siblings often skirmish over who gets the last piece of cake.