Con·tend v. i. [imp. & p. p. Contended; p. pr. & vb. n. Contending.]
1. To strive in opposition; to contest; to dispute; to vie; to quarrel; to fight.
For never two such kingdoms did contend
Without much fall of blood. --Shak.
The Lord said unto me, Distress not the Moabites, neither contend with them in battle. --Deut. ii. 9.
In ambitious strength I did
Contend against thy valor. --Shak.
2. To struggle or exert one's self to obtain or retain possession of, or to defend.
You sit above, and see vain men below
Contend for what you only can bestow. --Dryden.
3. To strive in debate; to engage in discussion; to dispute; to argue.
The question which our author would contend for. --Locke.
Many things he fiercely contended about were trivial. --Dr. H. More.
Syn: -- To struggle; fight; combat; vie; strive; oppose; emulate; contest; litigate; dispute; debate.
contending
adj : striving or struggling in rivalry or battle; "contending
armies"; "two contending parties"