dogfight

[ dawg-fahyt, dog- ]

noun

1. a violent fight between dogs.
2. a fight between warring fighter planes.
3. any rough-and-tumble physical battle.

verb (used with object)

, dog·fought, dog·fight·ing.

1. to engage in a dogfight with.

verb (used without object)

, dog·fought, dog·fight·ing.

1. to engage in a dogfight.

dogfight

/ ˈdɒɡˌfaɪt /

noun

1. close quarters combat between fighter aircraft
2. any rough violent fight

Word History and Origins

Origin of dogfight¹

1650–60; 1915 dogfight fordef 2; dog + fight

Example Sentences

The Rams must find ways to eliminate teams, “instead of just going into dogfights,” said cornerback Cobie Durant, who had two pass breakups.

From Los Angeles Times

The Dodgers have been in a dogfight with San Diego and Arizona for the division all summer, so Roberts hasn’t had the luxury of giving Lux a longer leash against left-handers.

From Los Angeles Times

It’s been a rough season for the Sparks, and they found themselves in another dogfight on Wednesday, this time against the New York Liberty, the team with the best record in the WNBA.

From Los Angeles Times

They’ve been working on an AI co-pilot that could save a real life aviator in a dogfight, and will find its way into sophisticated warfighting simulators.

From BBC

But they can still be injured in accidents or dogfights, or develop illnesses.

From New York Times

Related Words

• action
• altercation
• argument
• battle
• bout
• brawl
• clash
• combat
• conflict
• confrontation
• contest
• controversy
• disagreement
• dispute
• duel
• exchange
• feud
• match
• melee
• quarrel