Contend (verb)

1. To compete for something, to engage in a struggle to achieve a particular goal or objective.
2. To assert or maintain a position or claim in a dispute, argument or debate.
3. To struggle against something.

Origin:

From middle english contenden, from old french contendor, from latin contendere, from con- ("together") + tendere ("to stretc.h")

Examples:

1. The two companies contend for the same market share.
2. He contended that he was innocent.
3. She contended that the evidence was not strong enough.
4. The team will contend for the championship.
5. The company had to contend with a lot of competition.