Hand-to-hand combat (sometimes abbreviated as HTH or H2H)

is a physical confrontation between two or more persons at very short range

(grappling distance, or within the physical reach of a handheld weapon)

that does not involve the use of ranged weapons.

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While the phrase "hand-to-hand" appears to refer to unarmed combat,

the term is generic and may include use of melee weapons

such as knives, sticks, batons, spears, or improvised weapons such as entrenching tools.

While the term hand-to-hand combat originally referred principally to engagements by combatants on the battlefield,

it can also refer to any personal physical engagement by two or more people,

including law enforcement officers, civilians, and criminals.