Difference between Bout, Clash, Battle, Skirmish, Fray.

 The words bout, clash, battle, skirmish, and fray all refer to types of fights or conflicts, but they have differences on the basis of scale, intensity, and context.  Let's check them one by one.

According to dictionaries:-

Bout

A bout is a fight, often one-on-one. It is a short fight between two opponents. For example, bout between two leaders, the bout between two boxer, etc.

It is also used to mean a short period of time in which something intense happens, like fighting, being sick, for example, a bout of fever, a bout of depression, etc.

• He is recovering from a severe bout of flu.
• My wife has been going through a bout of depression.

Clash

Clash is a short fight between two groups of people. It can be verbal or physical.

• He clashed with his father over cricket teams.
• The two teams clash in tomorrow's final.

Battle

Battle is a fight between armies, ships or planes, especially during a war; a violent fight between groups of people.

It can also mean a competition, an argument or a struggle between people or groups of people trying to win power or control.

• They died in battle.
• Many young men were sent into battle without proper training.

Skirmish

Skirmish is a short fight between two groups of soldiers, etc., especially one that is not planned.

It can also be a short argument between two, especially between political opponents.

1. Several people were killed in skirmished between Hindus and Muslims.
2. They were involved in a skirmish with rival fans.

Fray

Fray is a fight, struggle, or disagreement that involves many people. It is a fight, a competition or an argument, especially on that is exciting or seen as a test of your ability, like when group of people discuss about their favorite political party, cricket team or favorite personality. 

1. Leaders are ready for the last fray before election.
2. Two group jumped into the fray.

Let's see the key difference between these words.

Difference between Bout, Clash, Battle, Skirmish, and Fray.

Bout is generally a short and intense fight or contest between two. The word bout is also used in sports(e.g., a boxing bout). It also mean a brief period of illness or strong emotion(e.g., a bout of depression. a bout of fever.)

Clash refers a sudden, and sharp conflict. It is a violent confrontation, either physical or verbal. For example, a clash between armies or a clash of opinions.

Battle is a large-scale and prolonged fight between organized groups. It is fight on large scale.

Skirmish is  a minor, brief fight fight between two that may lead to a larger battle.  

Fray is a noisy and chaotic fight between many people. It often occurs between two group of people. It is also used metaphorically for heated disputes.

Bout and battle are organized and structured fight; however, fray and skirmish are less organized.

In a nutshell

Clash is the fight of opinions and ideas. 

Skirmish is a minor and brief fight that may lead to a battle.

Battle is a large organized fight.

Fray is a less organized fight which is involved between groups of people.

Bout is a fight with unpleasant thing that may illness or any unpleasant feeling. It is also a boxing or wrestling match.

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