altercate

[ awl-ter-keyt ]

verb (used without object)

, al·ter·cat·ed, al·ter·cat·ing.

1. to argue or quarrel with zeal, heat, or anger; wrangle.

altercate

/ ˈɔːltəˌkeɪt /

verb

1. intr to argue, esp heatedly; dispute

Word History and Origins

Origin of altercate¹

1530–40; < Latin altercātus (past participle of altercārī to quarrel), equivalent to *alterc ( us ) a disputing ( alter other + -cus formative suffix) + -ātus -ate ¹

Word History and Origins

Origin of altercate¹

C16: from Latin altercārī to quarrel with another, from alter other

Example Sentences

As far as I can make out that means me and the rest of the battery altercate every other night.

From Project Gutenberg

Related Words

• bicker
• clash
• contend
• differ
• dissent
• divide
• feud
• haggle
• object
• oppose
• quarrel
• quibble
• spar
• wrangle