Skirmishes

A series of brief, unplanned battles or conflicts, often involving small numbers of combatants. skirmishes are typically characterized by their short duration and localized nature, often occurring as a preliminary engagement before a larger battle or as part of a wider conflict. They may involve various forms of combat, including hand-to-hand fighting, the use of firearms, and the deployment of military tactics. skirmishes can also describe non-military conflicts, such as heated arguments or competitive interactions, reflecting a clash of opposing forces or ideas.

Skirmishes meaning with examples

• The advance scouts of both armies engaged in several skirmishes near the river, each side testing the other's defenses. These small-scale battles provided crucial intelligence before the main conflict began, helping commanders assess their opponent's strength and strategy.
• During the protest, minor skirmishes broke out between demonstrators and police, leading to arrests and temporary disruptions. The tense atmosphere escalated quickly as frustration from both sides grew. Attempts to de-escalate tensions were unsuccessful leading to a rapid breakdown in order.
• In the political arena, constant skirmishes erupted between the opposing parties, with each side using debates, press conferences and social media to attack each other's policies. The public became accustomed to the back-and-forth and the constant barrage of opinions.
• The two rival gangs had frequent skirmishes over territory, leading to periods of violence in the neighborhood. These conflicts, born out of a desire to control their respective domains, increased the community's fear and insecurity, as fighting frequently erupted.