contend

 
Pronunciation: /kənˈtɛnd/

verb

  • 1 [no object] (contend with/against) struggle to surmount (a difficulty): she had to contend with his uncertain temper
  • (contend for) compete with others in a struggle to achieve (something): factions within the government were contending for the succession to the presidency
  • 2 [with clause] assert something as a position in an argument: he contends that the judge was wrong

Derivatives

contender

noun

Origin:

late Middle English (in the sense 'compete for (something)'): from Old French contendre or Latin contendere, from con- 'with' + tendere 'stretch, strive'