Definition of the word fight down

The phrase "fight down" is a phrasal verb that originated in English in the early 1800s. At its core, it involves the idea of resisting or overcoming something, often an emotion or physical sensation. The origins of the word "fight" itself can be traced back to the Old English word "fehtan," which meant "to contend" or "to strive." This concept of contention or struggle persists in the modern usage of the word, as evidenced by phrases like "fight for your right," "fight crime," or "fight disease." However, in "fight down," the meaning is slightly different. Here, the word "down" is a preposition that signals the phrase's meaning. The verb "fight" is followed by the preposition "down," indicating that the person or thing being fought is being resisted or overcome until it has lessened or subsided in intensity. For example, in the phrase "She fought down her fears and went skydiving," the individual is using the phrasal verb "fight down" to mean that she actively resisted the overwhelming feelings of fear that threatened to overtake her, ultimately overcoming them and carrying out the activity. Similarly, in "He fought down the urge to cough during the play," the verb "fight" is followed by "down" to signify that the person is resisting the sensation until it subsides. Overall, "fight down" is a common phrasal verb that conveys the idea of actively combating something until it has lessened or come to rest. Its origins in English can be traced back to the Old English word for "strive," and its meaning has evolved through time to reflect the modern connotation of resistance and suppression.