skirmish
military operation
Quick Summary
A skirmish is a brief, often minor, clash between opposing individuals or groups. It can refer to a small military engagement or a more general dispute, such as an argument or disagreement. The term can also describe a physical fight or scuffle. In a broader sense, "skirmish" can be used metaphorically to describe the initial stages of a longer conflict or debate. The word has been in use since the 14th century.123
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