Definition of the word dogfighting

The term "dogfighting" originated during the early 20th century, specifically in the context of aerial combat between fighter planes during World War I. The phrase originated from the dog fight, a term that describes a very intense and chaotic physical altercation between two or more dogs. As the pilots fought fiercely in the air with dogged determination, comparing their intense aerial duels to that of fighting dogs became popular. Over time, the term became associated with the animal fighting ring, where dog breeders pit their prized fighters against one another in brutal and brutalizing contests, hence, dogfighting.