French word

lutter

Pronunciation

IPA/lyte/

Meaning

  • verbfight

Example

Il faut lutter contre la discrimination.

We must fight against discrimination.

Illustration for lutter (fight)

More examples

Il lutte pour survivre après la perte de son emploi.

He is struggling to survive after losing his job.

Core concept

A person keeps pushing against a force that resists progress, whether the obstacle is external or internal.

Common phrases

  • lutter contre l'injustice

    fight against injustice

  • lutter pour survivre

    struggle to survive

Similar words

combattre: To fight a problem or enemy using whatever means are available.
s'opposer: To express clear opposition to an opinion or action.
tenir bon: To remain steadfast through a difficult situation.
se défendre: To take action to defend oneself or one's rights.

Definition in French

S'efforcer de surmonter une difficulté ou une opposition, en fournissant une action ou une volonté prolongée.

Word origin

French lutter comes through Old French from Latin luctari, meaning 'to wrestle' or 'to struggle'.

Usage tips

  • The usual constructions are lutter contre for an opposing force and lutter pour for a cause, right, or goal.

Other meanings

  • resistverb
  • struggleverb

Opposites

Related words

Word lists with this word