battle

/ˈba-tᵊl/

Middle English batel, from Anglo-French bataille battle, battalion, from Late Latin battalia combat, alteration of battualia fencing exercises, from Latin battuere to beat

noun

  1. a hostile encounter between opposing military forces —sometimes used before another noun

  2. a usually lengthy contest, struggle, or controversy

  3. a struggle to succeed or survive

the battle of Normandy

verb

  1. to engage in combat between individuals or armed forces : to engage in battle : fight

  2. to contend with full strength, vigor, skill, or resources : struggle

  3. to fight or struggle against

battling for control of the bridge

verb

  1. to fortify with battlements

… beneath the battled tower.