infighting

English

Etymology

From in- +‎ fighting. Compare Middle English infighten (“to attack”), Old English infiht (“infighting”).

Pronunciation

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Noun

infighting (countable and uncountable, plural infightings)

1. Fighting or quarreling among the members of a single group or side.
   • 2012, The Economist, 06 Oct 2012 issue, Iran’s nuclear programme: A red line and a reeling rial

     […] the economic and financial mismanagement of Mahmoud Ahmadinejad’s government and chronic infighting within the regime have contributed to the economic chaos […]

2. (boxing) Fighting with one's opponent closer than arm's length.
   • 1924 September 1, “Abdication”, in Time:

     Tate predicted that Wills, famed for infighting, would have to change his tactics against Firpo to avoid being knocked "very loose."

   • 1955 March 28, Charles Lesemann, “Ruckus in Georgia”, in Sports Illustrated:

     His left jab pecked at McTigue's face, and at infighting he matched the champion on even terms.

Translations

fighting/quarreling among group members

• Chinese:

  Mandarin: 火併／火并 (zh) (huǒbìng)

• Finnish: keskinäinen riitely, eripuraisuus (fi)
• French: dispute interne f
• Greek: φαγωμάρα (el) f (fagomára)
• Portuguese: luta interna f, conflito interno m
• Russian: ра́спри (ru) pl (ráspri)
• Swedish: inbördes strid c

boxing: fighting with the opponent close

• Finnish: lähiottelu

Verb

infighting

1. present participle and gerund of infight

See also

• circular firing squad