combat

(noun) an engagement fought between two military forces. Synonyms: armed combat.

(noun) the act of fighting; any contest or struggle. Synonyms: fight, fighting, scrap. Examples: "A fight broke out at the hockey game." "There was fighting in the streets." "The unhappy couple got into a terrible scrap."

(verb) battle or contend against in or as if in a battle. Synonyms: battle. Examples: "The kurds are combating iraqi troops in northern iraq." "We must combat the prejudices against other races." "They battled over the budget."