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Duel: meaning, definitions and examples

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duel

 

[ ˈdjuːəl ]

Noun / Verb
Context #1 | Noun

martial arts

A duel is a prearranged, formal combat between two persons, usually fought to settle a point of honor.

Synonyms

combat, conflict, fight

Examples of usage

  • The two gentlemen decided to settle their dispute with a duel.
  • In the past, duels were common among nobility to defend their honor.
Context #2 | Verb

martial arts

To duel means to engage in a prearranged, formal combat with another person.

Synonyms

battle, clash, fight

Examples of usage

  • The knights dueled with swords in the medieval tournament.
  • He dueled with his rival to prove his skills.

Translations

Translations of the word "duel" in other languages:

🇵🇹 duelo

🇮🇳 द्वंद्वयुद्ध

🇩🇪 Duell

🇮🇩 duel

🇺🇦 дуель

🇵🇱 pojedynek

🇯🇵 決闘 (けっとう)

🇫🇷 duel

🇪🇸 duelo

🇹🇷 düello

🇰🇷 결투 (gyeoltu)

🇸🇦 مبارزة

🇨🇿 souboj

🇸🇰 súboj

🇨🇳 决斗 (juédòu)

🇸🇮 dvoboj

🇮🇸 einvígi

🇰🇿 жекпе-жек

🇬🇪 დუელი

🇦🇿 duel

🇲🇽 duelo

Word origin

The word 'duel' originates from the Latin word 'duellum', meaning 'war' or 'combat'. The practice of dueling dates back to the medieval period when it was used as a method to settle disputes of honor. Over time, dueling became more formalized with specific rules and codes of conduct. In the 18th and 19th centuries, dueling reached its peak in European societies, especially among the upper classes. However, dueling gradually declined in popularity as laws were enacted to prohibit it due to its violent nature.

See also: duelist.

Word Frequency Rank

At position #13,403, this word is part of sophisticated English vocabulary. It's useful for academic or professional contexts where precise language is needed.