Skirmished: meaning, definitions and examples

military engagement

Skirmished refers to engaging in a minor or preliminary battle, often involving small forces. It typically occurs between two or more parties that may not be fully committed to a larger battle. Skirmishing serves as a tactic for reconnaissance and disrupting enemy operations without escalating into full-scale warfare. It can also refer to any small or informal conflict or disagreement.

battled, clashed, engaged, fought

Examples of usage

• The soldiers skirmished during their training exercises.

• Two rival factions skirmished over territory.

• They skirmished on the outskirts of the city.

• The two teams skirmished fiercely in the first half of the game.