contend

v 
 ---------- 1 ----------
 [Ipr] ~ with/against sb/sth; ~ for sth struggle in order to overcome a rival, competitor or difficulty （与对手）竞争; （与他人）争夺; （与困难）拚搏:

* Several teams are contending for (ie trying to win) the prize. 有几个队在争夺锦标.
* She's had a lot of problems to contend with. 她有许多问题要解决.
* the captains of the contending (ie rival) teams 参与争夺的各个队的队长. 
 ---------- 2 ----------
 [Tf no passive 不用於被动语态] put forward (sth) as one's opinion; argue; assert 主张（某事物）; 争辩; 认为:
* I would contend that unemployment is our most serious social evil. 我认为失业是我们社会最为严重的弊病. 
派生： contender n

person who tries to win sth in competition with others 竞争者; 争夺者; 对手:
the two contenders for the heavyweight title 重量级冠军的两名争夺者.