Definition

1. Verb (transitive):
   • To consciously struggle against, suppress, or try to control an internal feeling, impulse, or reaction. It implies an effort to master something arising from within oneself, such as an emotion or desire.
   • To resist or oppose an external force, pressure, or situation with effort and determination.

Usage

• The verb "fight down" is used with a direct object, which is typically an abstract noun representing an internal state or an external challenge.
• It often conveys a sense of effort and difficulty in the act of suppression or resistance.

Examples

• Suppressing an internal feeling:

  • She had to fight down a wave of panic when she heard the news.
  • He fought down his anger and tried to speak calmly.
  • I fought down the urge to laugh during the serious meeting.

• Resisting an external force or situation:

  • The community fought down the proposed construction of the highway.
  • They are fighting down the new regulations that would hurt small businesses.

Advanced Usage

• "to fight down one's feelings": A common collocation emphasizing the suppression of emotions.

  • It was difficult to fight down her feelings of jealousy.

• "to fight down a revolt/rebellion": Used in historical or political contexts to describe quelling an uprising.

  • The government moved swiftly to fight down the rebellion.

Variants and Related Words

• Fight back (phrasal verb): Often used similarly to resist or retaliate against an attack or criticism. While "fight down" focuses on suppression, "fight back" focuses on active resistance or counter-action.
  • He decided to fight back against the false accusations.
• Suppress (verb): A more formal synonym for "fight down" in the context of controlling feelings or actions.
• Subdue (verb): To overcome, quieten, or bring under control, often by force.

Synonyms

• Oppose: To be against or resist something.
• Resist: To withstand the action or effect of something.
• Stifle: To suppress or hold back.
• Repress: To restrain or prevent an action or feeling.

Related Phrasal Verbs

• Fight off: To resist something successfully and drive it away, often used for illnesses or attacks.
  • She is trying to fight off a cold.
• Fight against: A more general phrase for opposing or struggling with something.
  • They continue to fight against injustice.

Related Idioms

• Bite one's tongue: To stop oneself from saying something that might be inappropriate or angry. This is a specific action related to "fighting down" a comment or reaction.
  • I had to bite my tongue during the argument.

Verb

1. fight against or resist strongly
   • The senator said he would oppose the bill
   • Don't fight it!