Duelling: meaning, definitions and examples

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duelling

 

[ ˈdjuːəlɪŋ ]

Noun / Verb
Context #1 | Noun

fighting competition

Duelling refers to a formalized combat between two individuals, often fought with weapons, to settle a dispute or prove honor. It was historically prevalent in Europe and often regulated by codes of conduct.

Synonyms

challenge, combat, contest, fight

Examples of usage

  • The two gentlemen resolved their conflict through duelling.
  • Duelling was once a common practice among aristocrats.
  • He challenged his rival to a duelling match at dawn.
  • The code of honor dictated that duelling was the only way to regain lost respect.
Context #2 | Verb

to engage

To duel means to participate in a duel, engaging in a pre-arranged confrontation to settle a dispute. This term is often associated with historical or romanticized battles.

Synonyms

battle, fight, spar

Examples of usage

  • They duelled at sunrise to defend their honor.
  • The two knights dueled bravely in front of the crowd.
  • He has challenged his opponent and plans to duel next week.

Translations

Translations of the word "duelling" in other languages:

🇵🇹 duelo

🇮🇳 दुश्मनी

🇩🇪 Duell

🇮🇩 duel

🇺🇦 дуель

🇵🇱 pojedynek

🇯🇵 決闘 (けっとう)

🇫🇷 duel

🇪🇸 duelo

🇹🇷 düello

🇰🇷 결투 (결투)

🇸🇦 مبارزة

🇨🇿 duel

🇸🇰 duel

🇨🇳 决斗

🇸🇮 dvoboj

🇮🇸 einstök

🇰🇿 жекпе-жек

🇬🇪 პოედიკი

🇦🇿 döyüş

🇲🇽 duelo

Etymology

The term 'duelling' originates from the Latin word 'duellum', meaning 'war' or 'combat'. It evolved through Old French ' duel', which referred to a fight or combat between two individuals. In Medieval Europe, duelling became a common practice among nobles as a way to settle disputes of honor. The practice was codified in various 'codes of honor' that outlined the rules and acceptable conduct during a duel. During the 18th and 19th centuries, duelling reached its peak in popularity, often characterized by formal challenges, seconds (companions who assisted in the duel), and specific weaponry. Although it has largely fallen out of favor due to legal and social changes, the concept of duelling remains a significant part of cultural depictions of honor and rivalry.

Word Frequency Rank

At rank #28,910, this word represents specialized academic or technical vocabulary. It's less frequently encountered but may be valuable in specific contexts.