battle

1 noun (C)

1 BETWEEN ARMIES a fight between opposing armies, groups of ships etc, especially one that is part of a larger war: the Battle of Trafalgar | in/into battle: Her son was killed in battle. | sending troops into battle

2 BETWEEN OPPONENTS a situation in which opposing groups or people compete or argue with each other when trying to achieve success or control: a long-running legal battle

(+ for): The president's advisors were engaged in a battle for power. (+ between): a fierce ratings battle between rival TV stations (+ with): an on-going battle with my mother about eating properly

3 ATTEMPT an attempt to solve a difficult problem or change an unpleasant situation

(+ against): The battle against AIDS will continue for years to come. | fight a losing battle (=try to achieve something that you cannot achieve): I try to get the kids to pick up their clothes, but I'm fighting a losing battle.

4 be half the battle to be the most difficult or important part of what you have to do: If you can get an interview, that's half the battle.

5 a battle of wits a disagreement that opposing sides try to win by using their intelligence: It became a battle of wits between student and teacher.

6 do battle (with) to argue with someone or fight against someone: We had to do battle with the authorities over planning permission for the house.

7 the battle of the sexes the relationship between men and women when it is considered as a fight for power

2 verb

1 (I, T) to be involved in a struggle or argument when you are trying to achieve something difficult or to deal with something unpleasant or dangerous

(+ against/with): She had battled bravely against cancer for many years. | I found Maria battling with her maths homework. (+ for): a pressure group battling for better schools | battle to do sth: Doctors battled to save his life. | battle sth AmE: I was already battling a cold.

2 battle it out to keep fighting or opposing each other until one person or team wins: I left Adrian and Jo battling it out for the trophy.

3 (I) literary to take part in a fight or war