affray

[uh-frey]

noun

1. a public fight; a noisy quarrel; brawl.

   Synonyms: melee, altercation, fracas, row

2. Law.,  the fighting of two or more persons in a public place.

verb (used with object)

1. Archaic.,  to frighten.

affray

/ əˈfreɪ /

noun

1. law a fight, noisy quarrel, or disturbance between two or more persons in a public place

verb

1. archaic,  (tr) to frighten

Word History and Origins

Origin of affray¹

1275–1325; Middle English < Anglo-French afray (noun), afrayer (v.), Old French esfrei (noun), esfreer (v.) < Vulgar Latin *exfridāre to break the peace, equivalent to ex- ex- ¹ + -frid- peace (< Germanic; compare German Friede ) + -āre infinitive suffix

Word History and Origins

Origin of affray¹

C14: via Old French from Vulgar Latin exfridāre (unattested) to break the peace; compare German Friede peace

Example Sentences

District Judge Lynette Woodrow said he was on bail for an alleged affray at another asylum hotel in Gloucestershire at the time.

From BBC

Merseyside Police said 11 people were arrested for various offences including being drunk and disorderly, assault and affray.

From BBC

The Met said Channay Augustus, 22, has been charged with possession of an offensive weapon, affray, assault on an emergency worker, common assault and possession of cannabis.

From BBC

The court heard 23 of the new charges reflected injuries to victims, while one was a count of affray.

From BBC

Two men were arrested on Saturday morning on suspicion of affray in relation to a protest at the Diss hotel and an earlier one at the hotel in the Norwich area.

From BBC