duel

[doo-uhl, dyoo-]

noun

1. a prearranged combat between two persons, fought with deadly weapons according to an accepted code of procedure, especially to settle a private quarrel.

2. any contest between two persons or parties.

verb (used with or without object)

dueled, dueling , duelled, duelling .

1. to fight in a duel.

duel

/ ˈdjuːəl /

noun

1. a prearranged combat with deadly weapons between two people following a formal procedure in the presence of seconds and traditionally fought until one party was wounded or killed, usually to settle a quarrel involving a point of honour

2. a contest or conflict between two persons or parties

verb

1. to fight in a duel

2. to contest closely

Other Word Forms

• dueller noun
• duelistic adjective
• outduel verb (used with object)

Word History and Origins

Origin of duel¹

1585–95; earlier duell < Medieval Latin duellum, Latin: earlier form of bellum war, probably maintained and given sense “duel” by association with Latin duo two

Word History and Origins

Origin of duel¹

C15: from Medieval Latin duellum, from Latin, poetical variant of bellum war; associated by folk etymology with Latin duo two

Example Sentences

“Part of them kind of admires someone who went out and made a killing in our capitalistic society ... and walked away filthy rich,” South said of voters’ dueling impulses.

From Los Angeles Times

One of City's centre-backs ends up having to defend on the flank in an area they are less comfortable with, making them more likely to lose their respective duel.

From BBC

By beating his marker in a duel and carrying the ball upfield, his individual quality pulled apart Grimsby's defensive shape, and Bryan Mbeumo was able to score.

From BBC

According to Opta, he completed all 19 of his passes and won six of his eight duels, the joint most among Aberdeen players.

From BBC

The individual duel between receiver and defensive back is like a football version of cat-and-mouse.

From Los Angeles Times

Related Words

• bout 
• shootout