Толковый словарь английского языка Oxford English Reference - compete

v.intr. 1 (often foll. by with, against a person, for a thing) strive for superiority or supremacy (competed with his brother; compete against the Russians; compete for the victory). 2 (often foll. by in) take part (in a contest etc.) (competed in the hurdles). Etymology: L competere competit-, in late sense 'strive after or contend for (something)' (as COM-, petere seek)