Definition

To scuffle means to engage in a brief, disorderly, and often physical fight or struggle. It can also refer to the sound or movement of feet shuffling or dragging along a surface.

Pronunciation

US English

UK English

Part of Speech

Scuffle is primarily a verb, but it can also function as a noun to describe a physical fight or struggle.

Synonyms

Fight, struggle, brawl, tussle, skirmish, scuffle, scurry, hustle, jostle.

Antonyms

Collaborate, cooperate, aid, assist, help, support.

Word Forms

Part of Speech Words
Noun scuffle, scuffles
Verb scuffled, scuffles, scuffle, scuffling
Adjective None
Adverb None

Example Sentences

  • The two boys scuffled on the playground, wrestling each other to the ground.

  • The security guard had to scuffle with the thief to get the stolen goods back.

  • As we walked through the forest, we could hear the scuffle of small animals in the underbrush.

  • The political opponents scuffled over control of the microphone during the heated debate.

Usage

The word scuffle typically describes a brief, disorderly, and often physical encounter between people. This can include a fight or struggle, such as when two people scuffle over an object or when a security guard scuffles with a thief to apprehend them. Scuffle can also be used to describe the movement or sound of feet shuffling along a surface, such as when people are hurrying or rushing to get somewhere.

Scuffle is a dynamic word that connotes a certain level of chaos or confusion. It often describes a situation that is intense and physical, but not necessarily violent or aggressive. For example, a group of people might scuffle to get through a crowded doorway or scuffle for position during a game.

The word scuffle can be modified with prefixes or suffixes to alter its meaning slightly. For example, the prefix “re-” can be added to create the word “rescuffle,” which means to engage in a fight or struggle again. The suffix “-ing” can be added to create the word “scuffling,” which refers to the ongoing movement or sound of feet shuffling along a surface.

Overall, scuffle is a versatile word that can be used in a variety of contexts to describe physical encounters or movement. It is often used to describe situations that are intense, disorderly, and energetic.