Dogfight: meaning, definitions and examples

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dogfight

 

[ ˈdɔɡfaɪt ]

Noun / Verb
Context #1 | Noun

air combat

A dogfight refers to a close combat between fighter aircraft, involving a series of aerial maneuvers and tactics. Typically, these encounters occur at relatively low altitudes and can involve a range of combat techniques. The objective of a dogfight is to outmaneuver the opponent and gain a tactical advantage to shoot them down. Dogfighting has been a significant aspect of military aviation history and training.

Synonyms

aerial combat, air battle, dogfighting

Examples of usage

  • The pilots trained for hours to master dogfighting techniques.
  • During World War II, many famous dogfights were recorded in the skies over Europe.
  • The new stealth technology changed the way pilots approached dogfights.
  • Modern simulations allow pilots to experience realistic dogfighting scenarios.
Context #2 | Verb

fighting

To dogfight means to engage in a close aerial combat or to fight fiercely. This term can also extend to describe intense competition or rivalry in various contexts, including sports or business. In essence, to dogfight is to struggle for dominance or victory against an opponent.

Synonyms

battle, compete, struggle

Examples of usage

  • The two teams dogfought for the championship title.
  • They decided to dogfight in the market for better customer engagement.
  • The startups are dogfighting to capture the tech audience.

Translations

Translations of the word "dogfight" in other languages:

🇵🇹 luta de cães

🇮🇳 कुत्तों की लड़ाई

🇩🇪 Hundekampf

🇮🇩 pertarungan anjing

🇺🇦 собача бійка

🇵🇱 walka psów

🇯🇵 犬の戦い

🇫🇷 combat de chiens

🇪🇸 pelea de perros

🇹🇷 köpek dövüşü

🇰🇷 개 싸움

🇸🇦 قتال الكلاب

🇨🇿 souboj psů

🇸🇰 bitka psov

🇨🇳 狗斗

🇸🇮 borba psov

🇮🇸 hundaslagur

🇰🇿 ит бәсекесі

🇬🇪 ძაღლების ბრძოლა

🇦🇿 it döyüşü

🇲🇽 pelea de perros

Etymology

The term 'dogfight' originated from the late 19th century, initially used to describe a close and aggressive fight, likening it to the way dogs fight each other. By the time of World War I, it had evolved to specifically refer to aerial battles involving military aircraft. The close-quarters maneuvering that occurs during these aerial engagements brought about the need for a term that captures both the ferocity and the tactical nature of such confrontations. The term gained popularity as aviation technology advanced, particularly during World War II, where dogfighting became a critical part of air combat strategy. As aviation progressed, the phrase became synonymous with the skilled maneuvers needed to outsmart an opponent in the sky.