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REFERENCE

fighter

n.
US //ˈfaɪtɝ// UK //fˈaɪtɐ// fight·er
  1. 1 soldier or combatant (n.)
    A2 Elementary

    a person who fights in a battle or war.

    an individual engaged in physical combat, typically a soldier or warrior.

    Example

    The brave fighters defended the city for many weeks.

    Example

    The resistance fighters operated from the dense forests, launching strategic strikes against the occupying forces' supply lines.
  2. 2 athlete in combat sports (n.)
    A2 Elementary Sport

    someone who takes part in sports like boxing or karate.

    a professional or amateur participant in combat sports, such as boxing, wrestling, or mixed martial arts.

    Example

    The two fighters shook hands before the boxing match started.

    Example

    The young fighter spent months in a high-altitude training camp to improve his cardiovascular endurance before the title bout.
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  1. 3 determined person (n.)
    B1 Intermediate Literary

    someone who shows great courage and does not give up when things are very difficult.

    a person characterized by strong determination and resilience, especially when facing illness or severe personal adversity.

    Example

    She is a real fighter and refused to let her illness stop her from working.

    Example

    Despite the grim prognosis, he remained a fighter, maintaining a positive outlook that inspired everyone in the ward.
  2. 4 military aircraft (n.)
    B1 Intermediate

    a fast military plane designed to attack other planes.

    a high-speed military aircraft designed primarily for air-to-air combat against other aircraft.

    Example

    The sound of fighter jets flying over the house was very loud.

    Example

    The air force deployed several squadrons of advanced fighters to establish air superiority over the disputed territory.
    • fighter jet
    • warplane
  3. 5 firefighter (n.)
    B2 Upper Intermediate Informal

    a person whose job is to stop fires.

    a person employed to extinguish fires; a shortened form of firefighter.

    Example

    The local fighters arrived quickly to put out the forest fire.

    Example

    The veteran fighter adjusted his oxygen mask before entering the smoke-filled apartment complex to search for survivors.
Origin

From Middle English fightere, fyghtor, feghtere, feghtare, fiȝtare, fiȝtere, from Old English feohtere. Equivalent to fight + -er.

Idioms1 entry

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