Duel

A duel is a formal combat contest between two people, usually fought with weapons, to settle a point of honor or a personal dispute. Historically, duels were often fought to the death, but in modern times, they are more commonly ceremonial, symbolic, or staged for entertainment, although sometimes they can involve real violence. The outcome can be decided by weapons skill, endurance, or surrender, and often requires the observance of specific rules and protocols dictated by tradition, codes of honor, or law. The setting is often a secluded place known as the 'field of honor', away from prying eyes.

Duel meaning with examples

• In the novel, the protagonist challenged his rival to a duel after insults were traded during a heated political debate. The duel, arranged for dawn at a secluded location, was to be fought with pistols. The seconds were selected, and the terms were agreed upon, but the fight was called off. The rival apologized and the duel was never actually fought.
• The two knights, fueled by years of simmering resentment, agreed to a duel to the death, witnessed by a small crowd of spectators in the castle courtyard. Each brought their own weapons, sword and shield, while taking part in a carefully constructed duel designed to end with one of them dead. Their duel was brutal.
• The fencing club members engaged in a friendly duel to improve their skills, using blunt foils and protective gear. It was all for fun. The students challenged each other in a series of matches to determine who would be the team captain. No one got hurt, and all had fun at the end.
• Before the reforms of the 19th century, duels in the military were common, often used to resolve disputes between officers. A soldier may have faced a court martial if he refused to take part in a duel.
• The gladiators in the arena staged a thrilling duel, battling with swords and shields before a cheering crowd. The event entertained the masses as part of a festival celebration; the crowd roared as one of the gladiators fell.