Hand-to-hand combat is a term used to describe close-quarters physical fighting between two individuals. The term "hand-to-hand" originates from the fact that the combat involves the use of hands to strike the opponent. The word "hand-to-hand" is often used interchangeably with "close-quarters combat," "melee combat," or "hand-to-hand fighting." These synonyms evoke similar imagery and portray the intense and brutal nature of this type of combat. Other phrases that can be used to describe hand-to-hand combat include "body-to-body," "man-to-man," and "face-to-face" combat. These synonyms lend themselves well to describing the close proximity in which hand-to-hand combat takes place.