duel

[djuːəl]

duel Definition

  • 1a formal fight between two people, usually using guns or swords, arranged to settle a quarrel or a point of honor
  • 2a contest between two parties or individuals

Using duel: Examples

Take a moment to familiarize yourself with how "duel" can be used in various situations through the following examples!

  • Example

    The two men fought a duel over the woman they both loved.

  • Example

    The political candidates engaged in a verbal duel during the debate.

  • Example

    The chess match turned into a duel of wits between the two grandmasters.

duel Synonyms and Antonyms

Idioms Using duel

  • to engage in a heated argument or competition until a winner emerges

    Example

    The two teams will have to duel it out on the field to see who advances to the championship game.

  • a verbal argument or debate

    Example

    The two politicians engaged in a fierce duel of words during the televised debate.

  • a competition or conflict between two powerful or influential individuals or groups

    Example

    The upcoming election is being billed as a duel of titans between the incumbent and the challenger.

Phrases with duel

  • a fight between two people that ends only when one of them is killed

    Example

    The two knights agreed to a duel to the death to settle their dispute.

  • a duel fought to defend one's honor or reputation

    Example

    The young officer challenged his superior to a duel of honor after being accused of cowardice.

  • a duel fought with pistols

    Example

    The two men agreed to a pistol duel at dawn to settle their disagreement.

Origins of duel

from Latin 'duellum', meaning 'war'

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Summary: duel in Brief

A 'duel' [djuːəl] is a formal fight between two people, often with guns or swords, arranged to settle a quarrel or point of honor. It can also refer to a contest or competition between two parties or individuals. Examples include 'The two men fought a duel over the woman they both loved,' and 'The chess match turned into a duel of wits between the two grandmasters.' Phrases like 'duel to the death' and 'duel of honor' denote high-stakes situations, while idioms like 'duel it out' and 'duel of words' suggest heated arguments or debates.