infighting

noun

in·​fight·​ing ˈin-ˌfī-tiŋ How to pronounce infighting (audio)
1
: prolonged and often bitter dissension or rivalry among members of a group or organization
bureaucratic infighting
2
: rough-and-tumble fighting
3
: fighting or boxing at close quarters
infight intransitive verb
infighter noun

Examples of infighting in a Sentence

continued infighting has just completely robbed that political action committee of its effectiveness
Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
The dispute is also just the latest example of broader infighting among Democrats, spilling over into groups outside of the traditional party structure. Kayla Dwyer, IndyStar, 14 July 2025 National Democrats are also keen on trying to build momentum after party infighting spilled out into the open during the early months of Martin's tenure leading the DNC. Zak Hudak, CBS News, 30 June 2025 The infighting has threatened to stall the party’s efforts to rebuild seven months after Trump won a second term. Julia Manchester, The Hill, 16 June 2025 The Council then chose to override nearly half the mayor’s vetoes in a chaotic nine-hour budget session filled with infighting, tears and expletives. Gayla Cawley, Boston Herald, 9 June 2025 See All Example Sentences for infighting

Word History

First Known Use

1816, in the meaning defined at sense 3

Time Traveler
The first known use of infighting was in 1816

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Cite this Entry

“Infighting.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/infighting. Accessed 24 Jul. 2025.

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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