battled
v.to fight hard against a difficult person, situation, or illness. You use this when someone is trying very hard to overcome a big problem.
v.to struggle tenaciously against an opponent, obstacle, or adverse condition. Often used to describe prolonged efforts in medical, legal, or physical contexts.
“She battled a heavy cold all week.”
“The fire crews battled the blaze for twelve hours before finally bringing it under control.”
“Throughout the late nineteenth century, local residents battled the encroaching industrial expansion to preserve the valley's natural heritage.”
The verb is intransitive when followed by 'against' or 'with', but can be transitive when describing a struggle against a specific condition or opponent.
“Britain's Heather Watson battled back from a set down against Claire Liu to keep alive her hopes of securing a first US Open main-draw appearance in five years.”
“Political and religious leaders battled for influence through the education of Japanese immigrant children.”