gladiate
/ˈɡlædɪˌeɪt/ or /ˌɡlædiˈeɪt/Definitions
1. verb
to make or be a gladiator; to engage in or be a participant in a contest or competition, especially a fierce or intense one
“The film depicts the gladiators who gladiate in the ancient Roman arena.”
2. noun
a contestant or participant in a contest or competition, especially a fierce or intense one
“The gladiates in the boxing match were both exhausted after the final round.”