Definition

Verb (past tense of "outfight") - To defeat in a fight or contest through superior fighting ability: "outfought" means having overcome an opponent by demonstrating greater skill, strength, or determination in combat or competition.

Usage Examples

• (The smaller army defeated the larger one by fighting more effectively.)
• (The challenger demonstrated better fighting ability and won.)
• (She overcame her opponent through sheer determination and skill.)

Advanced Usage

• "to be outfought": to be defeated in a conflict or struggle.
  • The team was outfought in the second half, losing their lead. (The opposing team fought better and won.)
• "to outfight someone": to surpass someone in fighting ability.
  • He vowed to outfight anyone who challenged him. (He promised to defeat all challengers through superior combat skills.)

Variants and Related Words

• Outfight (verb, base form): to defeat in a fight.
  • The champion can outfight any opponent. (The champion is capable of defeating any rival.)
• Outfighting (verb, present participle): the act of defeating through fighting.
  • The general focused on outfighting the enemy, not just outnumbering them. (The general prioritised superior combat performance.)
• Outfighter (noun, rare): a person who defeats others in fights.
  • He was known as an outfighter in the ring. (He was recognised as a superior boxer.)

Synonyms

• Defeat: to overcome in a contest or battle.
• Vanquish: to conquer thoroughly.
• Overpower: to defeat with greater force or ability.
• Outmatch: to surpass in skill or strength.

Phrasal Verbs

• Fight off: to repel or defeat an attacker or challenge.
  • They fought off the rival gang, but were outfought in the end. (They initially resisted but were ultimately defeated.)
• Fight out: to settle a conflict through fighting.
  • The two armies fought out the battle, and one was outfought. (They resolved the conflict through combat, with one side losing.)

Related Idioms

• Fight tooth and nail: to fight with great effort and determination.
  • The defending champion fought tooth and nail but was outfought by the newcomer. (The champion struggled fiercely but lost to a superior opponent.)
• Outfight, outlast, outplay: a phrase describing a comprehensive victory.
  • The team aimed to outfight, outlast, and outplay their rivals. (They sought to defeat their opponents in all aspects of the contest.)