infighting

From in- +‎ fighting. Compare Middle English infighten (“to attack”), Old English infiht (“infighting”).

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infighting (countable and uncountable, plural infightings)

1. Fighting or quarreling among the members of a single group or side.
   • 2012, The Economist, 06 Oct 2012 issue, Iran’s nuclear programme: A red line and a reeling rial

     […] the economic and financial mismanagement of Mahmoud Ahmadinejad’s government and chronic infighting within the regime have contributed to the economic chaos […]

2. (boxing) Fighting with one's opponent closer than arm's length.
   • 1924 September 1, “Abdication”, in Time:

     Tate predicted that Wills, famed for infighting, would have to change his tactics against Firpo to avoid being knocked "very loose."

   • 1955 March 28, Charles Lesemann, “Ruckus in Georgia”, in Sports Illustrated:

     His left jab pecked at McTigue's face, and at infighting he matched the champion on even terms.

infighting

1. present participle and gerund of infight

• circular firing squad