an engagement fought between two military forces
"The general ordered a retreat after hours of intense combat left both sides battered on the battlefield."
A battle, a fight (often one in which weapons are used).
"The soldiers prepared their gear for the upcoming combat against the invading forces."
In plain English: Combat is a fight between enemies that involves using weapons to try and hurt or kill each other.
"The soldiers fought bravely during the combat to protect their city."
Usage: Use "combat" as a noun to refer specifically to armed conflict or military fighting, such as in "the soldiers engaged in combat." Do not use it for general arguments or physical fights that do not involve weapons.
To fight; to struggle against.
"The team trained tirelessly every morning to combat the harsh conditions of the mountain climb."
In plain English: To fight against an enemy using weapons or force.
"The police used special tactics to combat the rising crime rate in the neighborhood."
Usage: Use the verb combat to mean fighting or struggling against an enemy, problem, or disease rather than simply competing with someone in a game or sport. It implies taking direct action to defeat or overcome an opposition.
The word "combat" entered English in the 16th century via Middle French. It originally combined the Latin elements for "with" and "beat," reflecting its root meaning of striking or fighting together.