skirmish
Translation
minor fight, scuffle, clash
Examples
A brief skirmish broke out between the two groups.
A brief skirmish broke out between the two groups.
They were involved in a political skirmish over the new law.
They were involved in a political skirmish over the new law.
Grammar Patterns
a skirmish ((between A and B)) a small fight between people/groups. A brief skirmish broke out between the two groups.
a skirmish ((over sth.)) a small fight about something. They had a skirmish over the new law.
Similar Words
Synonyms: fight, clash, conflict, scuffle; Antonyms: truce, peace, agreement
Etymology
From Old French 'escarmouche', from Italian 'scaramuccia', likely of Germanic origin.
Memory Tips
Sounds a bit like 'squirmish'. Imagine people squirming during a small, uncomfortable fight.