Outbattling

Part of speech: verb

Definitions

1. To defeat an opponent by superior skill, strength, or endurance in a contest or struggle; to surpass another by sustained effort in a competitive situation; to prevail over challenges through determined confrontation
2. To overcome an adversary by excelling in tactical or physical conflict; to outdo another in a prolonged fight or competitive endeavor; to achieve victory by enduring better than others in a strenuous encounter
3. To gain an advantage by enduring or exerting greater force in combat or rivalry; to excel beyond a competitor through persistent contest or confrontation; to triumph by surpassing others in a demanding or combative scenario

Etymology: "Outbattling" is the present participle and gerund of "outbattle," which is formed from the prefix "out-" and the noun "battle." The prefix "out-" in English has long meant "beyond" or "surpassing," as in "outrun" or "outlast," so "outbattle" means to surpass someone in battle or contest. Its sense is therefore built straight from the parts, with no surprising shift in meaning along the way. Because the word is a plain combination of two familiar English elements, its history is simple: the sense of the verb follows directly from the meanings of "out-" and "battle." Its use reflects the common English pattern of adding "out-" to a verb or noun to mean doing something better or more than others, as with "outdo," "outshine," or "outplay."

Synonyms: outfighting, outlasting, overcoming, defeating, overpowering

Antonyms: losing, yielding, succumbing, surrendering, failing