Fistfight: meaning, definitions and examples

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fistfight

 

[ ˈfɪstfaɪt ]

Noun
Context #1 | Noun

physical altercation

A fistfight is a physical fight involving the use of fists, usually between two individuals. It often occurs in a spontaneous manner and can be provoked by escalating verbal confrontations. Fistfights are typically characterized by their lack of weapons, though injuries can still occur.

Synonyms

brawl, donnybrook, fight, melee, scuffle

Examples of usage

  • The two players got into a fistfight during the match.
  • He was known for his quick temper and tendency to start fistfights.
  • The bar was filled with shouting fans, and suddenly a fistfight broke out.
  • After weeks of rivalry, the disagreement ended in a fistfight.
  • They tried to break up the fistfight before it got out of hand.

Translations

Translations of the word "fistfight" in other languages:

🇵🇹 luta de socos

🇮🇳 मुटभेड़

🇩🇪 Faustkampf

🇮🇩 pertarungan tangan kosong

🇺🇦 кулачний бій

🇵🇱 bójka

🇯🇵 殴り合い

🇫🇷 bagarre

🇪🇸 pelea a puñetazos

🇹🇷 yumruk dövüşü

🇰🇷 주먹 싸움

🇸🇦 قتال بالأيدي

🇨🇿 pěstní souboj

🇸🇰 bitka

🇨🇳 拳斗

🇸🇮 rokoborba

🇮🇸 vöðvabardaga

🇰🇿 қол күресі

🇬🇪 კრივი

🇦🇿 döyüş

🇲🇽 pelea a puñetazos

Etymology

The term 'fistfight' combines 'fist', which derives from the Old English word 'fyst', meaning 'a hand', and 'fight', from the Old English 'feohtan', meaning 'to fight'. The concept of fighting with fists dates back to primitive times when humans relied on hand-to-hand combat for survival. Fistfighting as a term became more prominent in the 19th century, as boxing was formalized into a sport, distinguishing it from brawls and street fights. The practice has been depicted in literature and culture, reflecting societal views on masculinity and conflict resolution. Over the years, the understanding and implications of fistfighting have evolved, with a growing emphasis on the negative consequences of such violence in modern society.