skirmish
[ˈskɜːmɪʃ]
[ˈskɝmɪʃ]
A skirmish is a small fight or argument between people or groups.
When news breaks out about a politician's scandal, it might lead to a skirmish at their next public appearance. Imagine the person who gets in their face and yells, sparking a confrontation that escalates into shouting, waving fists, and maybe even a few punches. That would be a skirmish – a short but intense clash of wills or personalities. You can think of it as a mini-brawl between two people or teams, with no clear winner at the end. Skirmishes often happen when strong emotions like anger or frustration get in the way of reason.
How common is "skirmish"?
Word skirmish is considered rare in modern English.
It has a balanced usage among all categories: speech, fiction, newspapers and academic texts.
It has a balanced usage among all categories: speech, fiction, newspapers and academic texts.
Definitions
noun
A brief battle between small groups, usually part of a longer or larger battle or war.
verb
To engage in a minor battle or dispute
Real examples of "skirmish" in context
Real-world video examples for this word are still being added.
