What does combatting mean?
'Combatting' is the present participle and gerund of the verb 'combat', meaning to fight against someone or something, whether in literal armed struggle or in the broader figurative sense of working actively to reduce a harmful problem. The word appears constantly in public discourse — governments speak of combatting terrorism, health bodies of combatting disease, and platforms of combatting misinformation — giving it a formal, purposeful connotation suited to institutional and journalistic contexts. Spelling is its most notable quirk: British English doubles the final consonant to give 'combatting', while American English typically writes 'combating'. The verb derives from the Old French 'combatre', ultimately from Latin 'com-' (together) plus 'battuere' (to beat), placing it in a family that includes 'combatant', 'battle', and 'batter'. Whether used literally or figuratively, it signals determined opposition to a threat rather than mere disagreement.
Fighting against an enemy or opponent, especially in armed conflict.
"Troops were combatting rebel forces along the northern border."
British spelling; American English usually writes 'combating'.
Taking action to reduce, prevent, or counter something harmful such as crime, disease, or false information.
"New regulations aim at combatting money laundering."
This figurative sense dominates modern usage in news and policy writing.
The act or process of fighting or countering something.
"Combatting corruption requires strong institutions and independent courts."
Brits double the T, Americans don't — 'combatting' vs 'combating' is one of English's quietest transatlantic divides.
Reviewed by Deb Chak, Editor. AI-assisted content curated by RJS Tech Solutions LLP.
Etymology of combatting
'Combatting' is the -ing form of the verb 'combat', which entered Middle English from Old French 'combatre' (itself from Vulgar Latin *combattere), built on Latin 'com-' ('together with') and 'battuere' ('to beat'). The same Latin root gives English words such as 'battle', 'batter', and 'abate', making 'combat' part of a broad family of beating-and-fighting terms. In modern usage the doubled-t spelling 'combatting' is chiefly British, while American English generally prefers the single-t 'combating'; both forms have been current since the early modern period as the verb established itself in English.
Related word forms
How combatting is actually used
'Combatting' is the standard British spelling of the -ing form of 'combat'; in American usage 'combating' is strongly preferred, so writers should choose consistently for their audience. The word carries a serious, often formal register, appearing frequently in journalism, policy documents, and institutional language. As a gerund it also functions as a noun meaning the act of fighting or countering something.
Easily confused with combatting
'Combating' is simply the American spelling of the same word form, with one 't'; both mean fighting against something.