Conflict about whip (5)
I believe the answer is:
clash
'conflict' is the definition.
(I know that clash is a type of combat)
'about whip' is the wordplay.
'about' becomes 'c' (abbreviation for circa).
'whip' becomes 'lash' (synonyms).
'c'+'lash'='CLASH'
(Other definitions for clash that I've seen before include "(Of colours) look inappropriate together" , "Come into violent conflict" , "Conflict; be incompatible" , "jar" , "Conflict, discord" .)