fighting

[ fahy-ting ]

adjective

1. fit to fight:

   a boxer who's no longer in fighting shape.

2. tending or meant to stir up a fight or hostility:

   fighting words.

Other Words From

• un·fighting adjective

Word History and Origins

Origin of fighting¹

First recorded in 1300–50; Middle English; fight + -ing ²

Example Sentences

The American president is, after all, the commander in chief of the world’s most formidable fighting machine, and the figure ultimately responsible for the nation’s safety and security.

From Los Angeles Times

White people are an endangered breed, fighting to delay their extinction.

From Salon

His son was killed fighting in Gaza.

From BBC

Paul says that during an ayahuasca ceremony, he saw himself fighting former boxing heavyweight champion Mike Tyson, with millions of kids watching the match on their TVs and devices.

From Los Angeles Times

The city is fighting the case against Colomey, and according to court documents, it hired experts to evaluate the former sergeant to determine whether his accusations were fueled by testosterone injections he acknowledged taking or by depression brought on by the stresses of his position.

From Los Angeles Times