[Combat] (French for fight) is a [purposeful] violent conflict meant to weaken, establish dominance over, or kill the opposition, or to drive the opposition away from a location where it is not wanted or needed.
Combat is typically between opposing military forces in warfare. Combat violence can be [unilateral], whereas fighting implies at least a defensive reaction. A large-scale fight is known as a battle. A verbal fight is commonly known as an argument. Combat effectiveness, in the strategic field, requires [combat] readiness. In military areas, the term is applied also to personnel, that has to receive proper training and be qualified to carry out combat operations in [the unit] to which they are assigned.