/ kəmˈpiːt; NAmE / verb
1.
compete (with / against sb) (for sth) to try to be more successful or better than sb else who is trying to do the same as you :
[ v ]
Several companies are competing for the contract.
We can't compete with them on price.
Young children will usually compete for their mother's attention.
Small traders cannot compete in the face of cheap foreign imports.
[also v to inf ]
2.
[ v ] compete (in sth) (against sb) to take part in a contest or game :
He's hoping to compete in the London marathon.
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WORD ORIGIN
early 17th cent.: from Latin competere , in its late sense strive or contend for (something), from com- together + petere aim at, seek.