skirmish

Universal Words noun, verb noun 1 a short fight between small groups of soldiers, etc., especially one that is not planned: Several people were killed in skirmishes during the night. 2 a short argument, especially between political opponents: a skirmish between the two party leaders verb [V] to take part in a short fight or argument skirmisher noun skirmishing noun [U]: There are reports of skirmishing along the border.