contend

Be engaged in a fight; carry on a fight.

“Militant groups are contending for control of the country”

Have an argument about something.

Maintain or assert.

“He contended that Communism had no future”

Succeed in doing, achieving, or producing (something) with the limited or inadequate means available.

Compete for something; engage in a contest; measure oneself against others.

To make the subject of dispute, contention, or litigation.