Fighting Words

Noun noisy heated situation or quarrel, esp. in public
At one point, a member of Hogan’s shield entourage got into a heated altercation with a daring shutterbug who tried to snap pictures of the occasion.
Noun contest or fight
Floyd Mayweather Jr. won an impugnable, if legal, bout against Victor Ortiz, blindsiding his opponent with a pair of punches after tapping gloves.
Noun disorganized fight or event in which everyone present takes part
A group of 40 people in Germany had gathered to toss snowballs at each other but the game quickly degenerated into a massive free-for-all that required police intervention.
Noun irregular soldier, usually politically motivated
The story of a young American in the International Brigades attached to an antifascist guerilla unit in the mountains of Spain, it tells of loyalty and courage, love and defeat, and the tragic death of an ideal.
Noun one who revolts against established authority, esp. a government
A recent spate of press statements by unnamed sources in Kabul and Washington suggest that the insurgents may be suing for peace after an uptick in fighting.
Noun a quick and sharp blow with one's fist
Mayweather stuck mostly to the jab and his elusive defense to frustrate Mosley and avoid another kind of shot that could change the fight.
Verb beat or thrash with the fists
Chess boxing combines thinking and fighting into a hybrid sport where you have the opportunity to pummel a snarky opponent who forced you to sacrifice your rook.
Noun argument or uproar
The head of US National Public Radio has resigned amid a row over a video showing an NPR executive deriding conservative activists.