fought: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
B1Neutral to Formal
Quick answer
What does “fought” mean?
The past tense and past participle of 'fight', meaning to have engaged in physical or verbal conflict, or to have struggled against something.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
The past tense and past participle of 'fight', meaning to have engaged in physical or verbal conflict, or to have struggled against something.
Can also mean to have contested something (e.g., an election), to have campaigned vigorously for a cause, or to have made a determined effort against adversity.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
No significant differences in meaning or form. The pronunciation of the vowel may differ slightly (see IPA).
Connotations
Identical connotations of struggle and conflict in both varieties.
Frequency
Equally common and standard in both varieties.
Grammar
How to Use “fought” in a Sentence
Subject + fought + [against/with] + opponent (NP)Subject + fought + for + cause (NP)Subject + fought + to-infinitive (purpose)Vocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “fought” in a Sentence
verb
British English
- The soldiers fought valiantly in the battle.
- She fought tirelessly for her community centre.
American English
- The firefighters fought the blaze all night.
- He fought for his custody rights in court.
adverb
British English
- No adverb form derived from 'fought'.
American English
- No adverb form derived from 'fought'.
adjective
British English
- No common adjective form derived directly from 'fought'. (Use 'hard-fought')
American English
- No common adjective form derived directly from 'fought'. (Use 'hard-fought')
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
The union fought the proposed layoffs for months.
Academic
The scientists fought against the prevailing theory with new evidence.
Everyday
He fought his way through the crowded market.
Technical
The immune system fought the infection successfully.
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “fought”
- *He fighted bravely. (Incorrect irregular form) -> He *fought* bravely.
- Using 'fought' as present tense: *I fought for this every day. (Present = I fight)
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
It is the irregular past form of 'fight' (fight-fought-fought).
Yes, it can be intransitive: 'The two countries fought for decades.'
'Fought with' can mean 'fought alongside' (as allies) or 'fought against' depending on context. 'Fought against' is unambiguous in indicating opposition.
It is hyphenated when used as a compound adjective before a noun (e.g., 'a hard-fought victory').
The past tense and past participle of 'fight', meaning to have engaged in physical or verbal conflict, or to have struggled against something.
Fought is usually neutral to formal in register.
Fought: in British English it is pronounced /fɔːt/, and in American English it is pronounced /fɔːt/ or /fɑːt/ (in regions with the cot-caught merger). Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “fought fire with fire”
- “fought a losing battle”
- “fought like cat and dog”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think of 'OUGHT' to do something. You FOUGHT because you felt you OUGHT to defend yourself.
Conceptual Metaphor
ARGUMENT IS WAR, LIFE IS A STRUGGLE (e.g., 'He fought cancer', 'She fought for her rights').
Practice
Quiz
Which sentence uses 'fought' correctly?