pit oneself against someone Definition

pit¹
noun

1. A big deep hole in the ground.

Thesaurus: hole, cavity, abyss, crater, chasm, gulf, trench, hollow, depression.
2. A mine, especially a coalmine.
3. A cavity sunk into the ground from which to inspect vehicle engines, etc.
4. motor sport.
Any of a set of areas beside a racetrack where vehicles can refuel, have wheel changes, etc.
Form: the pits
5. An enclosure in which fighting animals or birds are put.
6a. The floor of the auditorium in a theatre;
6b. The people sitting there.
7. An orchestra pit (see orchestra sense 3).
8. anatomy.
A hollow, indentation or depression, eg pit of the stomach the small hollow below the breastbone.
9. A scar left by a smallpox or acne pustule.
10. old use
Hell.
Form: the pit
11. slang
An awful or intolerable situation, person, etc.
Form: the pits

verb pitted, pitting

1. To mark something with scars and holes.

Example: It's surface is pitted with craters
2. To put something in a pit.

Etymology: Anglo-Saxon pytt: from Latin puteus well.

Phrasal Verb: pit oneself against someone

To set or match oneself against them in competition or opposition.
Example: pitted himself against the rest of the team