dogfight
Upper-Intermediate (B2)
IPA: //ˈdɔːɡfaɪt//
KK: /ˈdɔgˌfaɪt/
intransitive verb
Definition
To engage in a fight between two or more aircraft in the air, often involving maneuvers and tactics.
Example
The pilots trained hard to dogfight effectively during the air combat exercises.
Tense Forms
Past: dogfought
Past Participle: dogfought
Conversation
Did you hear about the illegal fights that people dogfight in the city?
Yeah, it's really terrible that they do that to animals.
I can’t believe some people find it entertaining to dogfight.
It’s cruel, and I hope they get caught soon.
Synonyms & Antonyms
Synonyms
battle
scrap
clash
Antonyms
reconcile
unite
cooperate
noun
Definition
A violent fight between dogs or an aerial battle between fighter planes.
Example
The two fighter jets engaged in a thrilling dogfight high above the city.
Conversation
Did you hear about the dogfight that happened last night on TV?
Yeah, it was pretty intense!
I couldn't believe how close the planes got during that dogfight.
transitive verb
Definition
To engage in a close combat fight between aircraft, typically in the air.
Example
The pilots were trained to dogfight during their military exercises.
Tense Forms
Past: dogfought
Past Participle: dogfought
Conversation
Did you hear about the new game where you can dogfight with planes?
Yeah, I saw the trailer! It looks really exciting.
I can't wait to dogfight against my friends online.
Root Explanation
Dogfight → The word is formed from "dog" (from Old English *docga*, meaning a powerful breed of dog) and "fight" (from Old English *feohtan*, meaning to engage in combat). A dogfight originally referred to a fight between dogs, and it has since evolved to describe aerial combat between fighter aircraft.
Memory Tip
Imagine a powerful breed of dog ('dog') engaging in a fierce battle ('fight') — that's how you can remember that a dogfight refers to a fight, especially in the context of aircraft.
Visually Confused Words
No commonly confused words.