To be in opposition; to contest; to dispute; to vie; to quarrel; to fight.
To be in debate; to engage in discussion; to dispute; to argue.
To believe (something is reasonable) and argue (for it); to advocate.
To struggle or exert oneself to obtain or retain possession of, or to defend.
contend with: To try to cope with a difficulty or problem.
To enter into an armed conflict.
(of a person) To depart, typically from one's home, to join an army at war.