altercation

American  

[awl-ter-key-shuhn] / ˌɔl tərˈkeɪ ʃən /

noun

1. a heated or angry dispute; noisy argument or controversy.

   Synonyms:

   tiff, squabble, clash, disagreement, quarrel

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altercation British  

/ ˌɔːltəˈkeɪʃən /

noun

1. an angry or heated discussion or quarrel; argument

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Etymology

Origin of altercation

1350–1400; Middle English altercacioun < Latin altercātiōn- (stem of altercātiō ). See altercate, -ion

Explanation

Altercation is a nicer word for "quarrel," which is a nicer word for "fight." Fight is a simple, effective one-syllable word, while quarrel is a softer, two-syllable word, and altercation is a very civilized-sounding four-syllable word for the same uncivilized thing: a noisy argument between angry people. Someone who gets a black eye fighting for a parking spot might — after cooling down — describe the incident as an altercation rather than as a knock-down, drag-out brawl.

Example Sentences

The two-roomed space has always deemed it appropriate to pair up its weekend fixtures, so on Fridays the downstairs, indie-fixated Indiecation partners the more rock and eclectic focused Altercation upstairs.

From The Guardian • Jun. 18, 2010

Now it is evident, that our Conjunction with North-America, upon any Terms, and under any, or every Modification, will not fail of becoming an inexhaustible Source of Altercation and Reproach, let whatever Measures be pursued.

From An Humble Address and Earnest Appeal to Those Respectable Personages in Great-Britain and Ireland, Who, by Their Great and Permanent Interest in Landed Property, Their Liberal Education, Elevated Rank, and Enlarged Views, Are the Ablest to Judge, and the Fittest to Decide, Whether a Connection with, Or a Separation from the Continental Colonies of America, Be Most for the National Advantage, and the Lasting Benefit of These Kingdoms by Tucker, Josiah

Altercation ensued at Islamia College Station, but the train proceeded to Kacha Garhi.

From Freedom's Battle Being a Comprehensive Collection of Writings and Speeches on the Present Situation by Gandhi, Mahatma

I am old, can not have long to live, have much to do and no time for Altercation.

From Benjamin Franklin; Self-Revealed, Volume II (of 2) A Biographical and Critical Study Based Mainly on his own Writings by Bruce, Wiliam Cabell

Related Words

• argument
• bickering
• blowup
• brawl
• flap
• fracas
• quarrel
• run-in
• tiff
• wrangle