skirmish

Meaning

Noun

1. A brief battle between small groups, usually part of a longer or larger battle or war.
2. (broadly, figuratively) Any minor dispute.
3. A type of outdoor military style game using paintball or similar weapons.

Verb

To engage in a minor battle or dispute.

Synonyms

fight

scuffle

clash

encounter

conflict

battle

brush

combat

squabble

scrimmage

quarrel

attempt

spat

melee

fray

prefinals

scrap

brawl

run-in

exchange of fire

exchange fire

ruffle

strife

scout round

bicker

brabble

confrontation

contest

discord

dispute

engagement

face-off

fire

🔥

free-for-all

grapple

incident

rumpus

struggle

war

exchange of words

grapple with

brief argument

prefinal

rencontre

affray

Translations

escaramuza

scaramuccia

escarmouche

Scharmützel

Auseinandersetzung

avvisaglia

accrochage

💥

escaramuça

schermaglia

escaramussa

schermutseling

αψιμαχία

querelle

Streit

Pronounced as (IPA)

/ˈskɜːmɪʃ/

Etymology

Inherited from Middle English: skirmish

In summary

From Middle English skirmish (as a verb), from Old French escarmouche (“skirmish”), from Italian scaramuccia, earlier schermugio. Doublet of escarmouche, Scaramouche, and Scaramucci.