infighting

From in- +‎ fighting. Compare Middle English infighten (“to attack”), Old English infiht (“infighting”).

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infighting (countable and uncountable, plural infightings)

1. Fighting or quarreling among the members of a single group or side.
   • 2012, The Economist, 06 Oct 2012 issue, Iran’s nuclear programme: A red line and a reeling rial

     […] the economic and financial mismanagement of Mahmoud Ahmadinejad’s government and chronic infighting within the regime have contributed to the economic chaos […]

2. (boxing) Fighting with one's opponent closer than arm's length.
   • 1924, "Abdication," Time, 1 September, 1924,

     Tate predicted that Wills, famed for infighting, would have to change his tactics against Firpo to avoid being knocked "very loose."

   • 1955, Charles Lesemann, "Ruckus in Georgia," Sports Illustrated, 28 March, 1955,

     His left jab pecked at McTigue's face, and at infighting he matched the champion on even terms.

infighting

1. present participle of infight

• circular firing squad