Word
combats
Phoneticscom·bats, stress on the second syllable
/kəmˈbæts/
Definition
v. to fight against something harmful and try to stop it, like disease, crime, or poverty.
v. to oppose, fight against, or seek to prevent something harmful such as disease, crime, or inequality. Often used for organized or sustained efforts rather than physical fighting alone.
Examples
“She combats stress by walking every morning.”
“The city program combats food waste by collecting unsold meals from shops each evening.”
“The new policy combats rising prices by limiting rents in areas where young families struggle most.”
Examples
simple
“She combats stress by walking every morning.”
contextual
“The city program combats food waste by collecting unsold meals from shops each evening.”
complex
“The new policy combats rising prices by limiting rents in areas where young families struggle most.”
Collocations
Common phrases and expressions where native English speakers use the word “combats” in context.
Verb
01. aim to combat
“The new policy aims to combat youth unemployment.”
verb + prep + verb
02. combat corruption
“The commission was set up to combat corruption in politics.”
verb + noun
03. combat crime
“Extra police patrols were introduced to combat crime downtown.”
verb + noun
04. combat disease
“Scientists are working together to combat tropical disease.”
verb + noun
05. combat pollution
“The city banned cars to combat air pollution.”
verb + noun
06. combat poverty
“The government launched a plan to combat poverty nationwide.”
verb + noun
07. combat terrorism
“Nations must cooperate to combat international terrorism.”
verb + noun
08. combat unemployment
“Training schemes help combat unemployment among graduates.”
verb + noun
09. help combat
“Regular exercise can help combat stress and anxiety.”
verb + verb
Adjective
10. actively combat
“The council is actively combating poverty in rural areas.”
adv + verb
11. effectively combat
“New vaccines help doctors effectively combat infectious diseases.”
adv + verb
12. efforts to combat poverty
“International efforts to combat poverty need more funding.”
Usage
The verb is transitive and takes a direct object.
Pitfall
combat against poverty
combat poverty
Combat is transitive — it takes a direct object without 'against'.
Related words
- Exam level
- CambridgeCambridgeCambridge English QualificationsThe exam suite from Cambridge University Press & Assessment, from A1 Movers up to C2 Proficiency. The benchmark names double as CEFR labels.B2 FirstIELTSIELTSInternational English Language Testing SystemThe 0–9 band test co-owned by the British Council, IDP, and Cambridge. Used for university entry, work, and migration.5.5–6.5TOEFL iBTTOEFL iBTTest of English as a Foreign Language, Internet-Based TestETS's academic English test, the standard route for US university admissions. Scored 0–120, with a 1–6 scale since 2026.1–6 scale: 4.0–4.572–94TOEICTOEICTest of English for International CommunicationETS's workplace English test, big in Japan and Korea. Listening & Reading scores 10–990 and tops out at C1.785–944
- Frequency
- Occasional
- Level
- B2 · Upper Intermediate
- Updated
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