C1nounconflicthistory
US/ˈkɑːm.bæt/
UK/ˈkɒm.bæt/
fighting, especially between armies in a war
In context
The soldiers had little training for close combat.
He was killed in combat during the last year of the war.
Combat between the two armies lasted for three days.
Words that go with combat
adjective + noun
- armed combatArmed combat broke out near the border.
- hand-to-hand combatThey trained in hand-to-hand combat.
- close combatClose combat is very dangerous.
verb + preposition
- killed in combatThousands were killed in combat.
noun + noun
- combat zoneReporters entered the combat zone.
noun + preposition
- in combatHe showed great courage in combat.
Common mistakes
Incorrect:
a combat against povertyCorrect: a fight against poverty