bareknuckle
Fists only, unprotected
Bareknuckle describes fighting or boxing without gloves, fists exposed: bareknuckle boxing was legal in England until 1867.
The word extends to any aggressive, no-holds-barred contest: bareknuckle politics, a bareknuckle negotiation.
The figurative sense emphasizes ruthlessness and willingness to fight dirty.
Also spelled bare-knuckle or bare knuckle.
Art of fighting with fists
- fisticuffsHand-to-hand combat
- prizefightingProfessional boxing for stakes
- brawlerHabitual fist-fighter
- slugfestProlonged violent exchange
knockout · bout · ring · sparring · contender · champion · undercard · cornerman
Without rules or restrictions
- rough-and-tumbleDisorderly, physical, unpolished
- cutthroatViciously competitive or murderous
- ruthlessLacking any compassion
- brutalSavagely harsh or severe
fierce · aggressive · savage · vicious · merciless · hardball · dogfight · scrappy
Refusing to give way
- resoluteFixed in purpose
- adamantStubbornly refusing to yield
- unflinchingRefusing to show fear
- hardlineStubbornly inflexible in stance
steadfast · unbending · relentless · determined · firm · unswerving · staunch · intransigent
pugilism
Art of fighting with fists
- fisticuffsHand-to-hand combat
- prizefightingProfessional boxing for stakes
- brawlerHabitual fist-fighter
slugfest · knockout · bout · ring · sparring · contender · champion · undercard · cornerman · cutman
no-holds-barred
Without rules or restrictions
- rough-and-tumbleDisorderly, physical, unpolished
- cutthroatViciously competitive or murderous
- ruthlessLacking any compassion
brutal · fierce · aggressive · savage · vicious · merciless · hardball · dogfight · scrappy · all-out
unyielding
Refusing to give way
- resoluteFixed in purpose
- adamantStubbornly refusing to yield
- unflinchingRefusing to show fear
hardline · steadfast · unbending · relentless · determined · firm · unswerving · staunch · intransigent · unwavering
bareknucklegloved
Wearing hand coverings
padded · boxing gloves · protected · wrapped · taped
bareknuckleregulated
Made to follow rules
sanctioned · official · professional · legitimate · Queensberry rules
bareknucklerestrained
Held under control
kid-glove · genteel · refined · civilized · diplomatic
bare, knuckle, bared, barer, barest, barely, bareness, baring, knuckles