Definition

A chaotic and confused fight or struggle involving many people, often characterized by close combat.

Example

The melee broke out in the crowd as fans rushed to the stage.

Conversation

Did you see that melee at the concert last night?

Yeah, it looked like chaos!

I couldn't believe how many people got involved in that melee.

I know! It was wild, but luckily no one got seriously hurt.

Synonyms & Antonyms

Root Explanation

Melee → The word originates from the French word *mêlée*, meaning a mix or a confused fight. It describes a situation where combatants are mixed together in close quarters, often in a chaotic manner.

Memory Tip

Imagine a chaotic mix of fighters all tangled together — that's what melee means, coming from the French word for a mix.

Visually Confused Words