Phrase guide

put up a fight

verb · 2 senses · updated from the 2026-07-25 local source snapshot

Definitions and examples are grouped by meaning. Pronunciation, history, word forms, translations, descendants, synonyms, antonyms, derived terms, and related words appear whenever the source provides them.

Sound

Pronunciation

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No pronunciation record was provided for this word.

1

verb

Meaning 1

To offer some form of resistance to an attack.

Definition source: English Wiktionary via Wiktextract

Examples

  • She put up a fight when the mugger tried to steal her purse.

Meaning relationships

Synonyms: none provided

Antonyms: none provided

2

verb

Meaning 2

To protest or make a fuss, especially over a proposed course of action.

Definition source: English Wiktionary via Wiktextract

Usage: figuratively

Examples

  • Their youngest son always put up a fight when it was bedtime.

Meaning relationships

Synonyms: none provided

Antonyms: none provided

History

Etymology

No etymology was provided for this word.

Across languages

Translations

7 source translations are retained for this English entry.

  • Finnish: taistella vastaan — to offer some form of resistance to an attack
  • Finnish: tapella vastaan — to offer some form of resistance to an attack
  • Finnish: laittaa vastaan — to offer some form of resistance to an attack
  • Polish: stawiać opór — to offer some form of resistance to an attack
  • Polish: stawić opór — to offer some form of resistance to an attack
  • Swedish: göra motstånd — to offer some form of resistance to an attack
  • Swedish: streta emot — to offer some form of resistance to an attack