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Skirmishing: meaning, definitions and examples

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skirmishing

 

[ ˈskər-mish-ing ]

Noun
Context #1 | Noun

military conflict

Skirmishing refers to a brief fight or encounter between small groups of troops or individuals, often taking place as part of a larger military campaign. It typically involves localized engagements, where forces test each other’s defenses and tactics. Skirmishes can serve to gather intelligence about the enemy's positions and strengths or to harass and disrupt their movements. These encounters are usually less structured than full battles and can occur in various terrains.

Synonyms

clash, encounter, engagement, scuffle.

Examples of usage

  • The two sides engaged in skirmishing to gain an advantage.
  • Skirmishing along the borders increased tensions in the region.
  • Soldiers often participated in skirmishing before a larger battle.
  • The skirmishing lasted throughout the night, disrupting supply lines.

Translations

Translations of the word "skirmishing" in other languages:

🇵🇹 conflitos menores

🇮🇳 छोटे संघर्ष

🇩🇪 Gerangel

🇮🇩 pertempuran kecil

🇺🇦 неконтрольовані зіткнення

🇵🇱 starcia

🇯🇵 小競り合い

🇫🇷 escarmouche

🇪🇸 escaramuzas

🇹🇷 çatışmalar

🇰🇷 소규모 전투

🇸🇦 منازعات صغيرة

🇨🇿 potyčky

🇸🇰 potýčky

🇨🇳 小规模冲突

🇸🇮 spopadi

🇮🇸 smá átök

🇰🇿 кіші шайқастар

🇬🇪 პატარა შეტაკებები

🇦🇿 kiçik döyüşlər

🇲🇽 escaramuzas

Etymology

The word 'skirmishing' derives from the Middle French term 'escarmer', which means to engage in a skirmish or battle. This term is further traced back to the Old Occitan word 'scarmir', meaning to fight or contend. Its use in English dates back to the early 17th century, initially referring to small engagements between military units, often skirmishers deployed as front-line defenders. Over time, the term evolved to encompass not only military encounters but also any brief, conflict-driven interactions between groups. The nature of skirmishing has adapted through history, reflecting changes in warfare strategies and technologies, from the use of artillery in the Napoleonic Wars to modern guerrilla tactics.

Word Frequency Rank

At rank #25,751, this word represents specialized academic or technical vocabulary. It's less frequently encountered but may be valuable in specific contexts.