verb-intransitive. To strive or contened for victory, with armies or in single combat; to attempt to defeat, subdue, or destroy an enemy, either by blows or weapons; to contend in arms; -- followed by with or against.verb-intransitive. To act in opposition to anything; to struggle against; to contend; to strive; to make resistance.v. To carry on, or wage, as a conflict, or battle; to win or gain by struggle, as one's way; to sustain by fighting, as a cause.v. To contend with in battle; to war againstv. To cause to fight; to manage or maneuver in a fightn. A battle; an engagement; a contest in arms; a combat; a violent conflict or struggle for victory, between individuals or between armies, ships, or navies, etc.n. A struggle or contest of any kind.n. Strength or disposition for fighting; pugnacity.n. A screen for the combatants in ships.