Definition

A brawl is a physical fight involving a group of people, often characterized by loud and chaotic behavior.

Pronunciation

US English

UK English

Part of Speech

Noun or verb

Synonyms

Scuffle, fracas, melee, skirmish, tussle, altercation

Antonyms

Harmony, peace, agreement, concord

Word Forms

Part of Speech Words
Noun brawler, brawl, brawls, brawlers
Verb brawls, brawling, brawl, brawled
Adjective None
Adverb None

Example Sentences

  • The bar fight turned into a full-blown brawl, with bottles and chairs being thrown across the room.

  • The soccer match ended in a brawl between the opposing teams and their fans.

  • The school principal suspended several students who were involved in a cafeteria brawl during lunchtime.

  • The intense street brawl erupted with ferocity, fists flying, and shouts reverberating through the air, as chaos consumed the once-peaceful neighborhood, onlookers scattering in fear while the clashing of bodies and the sound of breaking glass underscored the raw brutality of the confrontation.

Usage

The word “brawl” is typically used to describe a physical altercation or fight that involves a group of people. It can also be used as a verb to describe the act of engaging in such a fight. The word is derived from the Middle English word “brawlen,” which means “to make noise” or “to quarrel.” The prefix “braw-” may have originated from the Old Norse word “brakka,” meaning “to crack” or “to break,” which further emphasizes the violent nature of a brawl.

There are several variations of the word “brawl” that are formed using prefixes, suffixes, or roots. For example, the suffix “-er” is commonly used to form nouns that indicate a person or thing that performs the action of the verb. Therefore, the word “brawler” is a noun that describes a person who is prone to engaging in brawls or fights. Another variation is the word “brawling,” which is an adjective that describes a situation or person that is likely to cause a brawl.

In some contexts, the word “brawl” may be used to describe a loud and chaotic argument or disagreement between people, even if it does not involve physical violence. For example, a political debate or a heated sports rivalry may be described as a “verbal brawl.” However, it is important to use this term carefully and avoid trivializing or glamorizing violence.

Overall, the word “brawl” is a powerful noun or verb that is used to describe physical altercations or fights involving multiple people. It is important to use this word responsibly and avoid using it in ways that glorify or trivialize violence.