1. (

• contend ,
• fight ,
• struggle

) be engaged in a fight; carry on a fight; "the tribesmen fought each other"; "Siblings are always fighting"; "Militant groups are contending for control of the country" ;

2. (

• fight ,
• oppose ,
• fight_back ,
• fight_down ,
• defend ,

) fight against or resist strongly; "The senator said he would oppose the bill"; "Don't fight it!" ;

3. (

• fight ,
• struggle

) make a strenuous or labored effort; "She struggled for years to survive without welfare"; "He fought for breath" ;

4. (

• crusade ,
• fight ,
• press ,
• campaign ,
• push ,
• agitate ,

) exert oneself continuously, vigorously, or obtrusively to gain an end or engage in a crusade for a certain cause or person; be an advocate for; "The liberal party pushed for reforms"; "She is crusading for women's rights"; "The Dean is pushing for his favorite candidate" ;