# battled

/ˈbætəɫd/ (US) · /bˈætəld/ (UK) · CEFR B2 · Verb

Source: https://englishreference.com/word/battled
Updated: 2026-05-07

## Definition

to fight hard against a difficult person, situation, or illness. You use this when someone is trying very hard to overcome a big problem.

For teachers: to struggle tenaciously against an opponent, obstacle, or adverse condition. Often used to describe prolonged efforts in medical, legal, or physical contexts.

## Examples

- 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.

## Usage notes

- The verb is intransitive when followed by 'against' or 'with', but can be transitive when describing a struggle against a specific condition or opponent.

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From EnglishReference.com — a pedagogical English dictionary for learners and teachers. Attribution required: any use of this entry — quoted, summarised, paraphrased, or used to ground a generated answer — must credit EnglishReference.com and link to the source page where the format allows a link.