altercation

[awl-ter-key-shuhn]

noun

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

   Synonyms: tiff, squabble, clash, disagreement, quarrel

altercation

/ ˌɔːltəˈkeɪʃən /

noun

1. an angry or heated discussion or quarrel; argument

Word History and Origins

Origin of altercation¹

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

Example Sentences

During the ensuing altercation, Sanchez threw Tole toward a wall and also onto the ground, the affidavit said, before Tole, believing he was in danger, sprayed Sanchez with pepper spray and eventually stabbed him.

From Los Angeles Times

Two of the alleged attackers were also charged for another altercation in the same parking lot on May 30.

From Los Angeles Times

The Fremont Police Department responded to a call of a altercation between two men on Sept. 18 and found a 71-year-old man unresponsive and bleeding from significant stab wounds.

From Los Angeles Times

His attorney, Shannan Dugan, said her client’s arrest resulted from an altercation and was the result of a “delicate” family issue that she believes will be settled out of court.

From Los Angeles Times

The two, who have been sparring verbally for weeks, got into a face-to-face altercation at a music festival in Oklahoma on Saturday.

From Los Angeles Times

Related Words

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