Brawl

Part of speech: noun, verb

Pronunciation: /bɹɔːl/

Definitions

1. A noisy and aggressive confrontation between a group of people often resulting from a disagreement or rivalry
2. A violent and disorderly struggle among several individuals typically characterized by physical strikes and shouting
3. A tumultuous and chaotic altercation involving multiple participants usually marked by physical aggression and heated arguments

Etymology: Late Middle English gave us "braulen" and "brall," meaning to clamour, quarrel, or boast, and the noun came from the verb. Where the word came from before that is uncertain. Some scholars link it to "bray," the donkey's harsh cry, which suggests a noisy, imitative origin. Related forms in Danish, Dutch and Low German mean to chatter, jabber or brag, and German "prahlen," to boast, is a close relative. A second, more dramatic possibility links the word to French "branler," meaning to shake or wave, and to the older Old French "brandeler," which could describe a sword being brandished. In that case, the fight would be named for the flourishing of blades rather than for the noise. Early English also used "brawl" for a movement that shook back and forth, which fits this idea, though it cannot be confirmed.

Synonyms: fight, brawl, scuffle, altercation, fracas

Antonyms: peace, harmony