figurative. Of a battle, debate, etc.: Stubbornly contested, hard.

Of an action, occupation, etc.: energetically carried on; pursued vigorously (now rare). Of conditions, business, trade, etc.: that keeps a person…

Considerable in degree, intensity, or extent. With regard to action or movement: of considerable physical force; strong, vigorous, powerful, violent.

Of battle, debate and the like: Stubbornly-contested, fierce, hard.

Of a battle, attack, etc.: fierce, violent; esp. vigorous and quick. Cf. sharp, adj. 4c.

Strong, stout, powerful. Scottish. Of a military action, esp. a watch: heavily armed, strong. Obsolete (archaic in later use).

Of business, work, etc.: pressing, urgent; busy. Obsolete.

Of actions, measures, etc.: Characterized by, attended, carried out, or enforced with, vigour or energy.

Of a conflict, assault, or resistance: Vigorous.

Strenuously directed upon something (quot. 1605); strained, earnest, eager, intent; = intense, adj. 3. Obsolete.

Of a thing, action, behaviour, event, etc.: characterized by, displaying, or suggestive of spirit, energy, vigour, or determination. Cf. spirited…

Of fighting, conflict, an onset: Vigorously conducted; pressing hard on or harassing the foe; also figurative. Of a combatant: Dangerous to…

Of personal, esp. mental, action, etc.: Strained or strenuously directed to some end; intent, eager, earnest, ardent. (Often not distinguished…

Of a thing, action, event, etc.: spirited, lively, brisk.

Of a thing, action, behaviour, event, etc.: characterized by, displaying, or suggestive of spirit, vigour, courage, or determination.

Of an action, event, etc.: = mettlesome, adj. 1a. Obsolete.

Of movements: Displaying physical vigour. Also as epithet of health, vigour, etc.

Of movement, activity, speech, art, etc.: characterized by, carried out with, or conveying vigour or force; emphatic.

Of actions or operations: Proceeding, or taking place, with great vigour or activity.

Robust; boisterous.

Somewhat tough.

Vigorous, energetic, active, brisk. Of a physical process.

attributive. Making use of all available strength, resources, power, etc.; flat-out, all-out.