altercate

[awl-ter-keyt]

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verb (used without object), al·ter·cat·ed, al·ter·cat·ing.

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

Origin of altercate

1530–40; < Latin altercātus (past participle of altercārī to quarrel), equivalent to *alterc(us) a disputing (alter other + -cus formative suffix) + -ātus -ate¹

Dictionary.com Unabridged Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2018

Related Words for altercate

contend, squabble, disagree, quibble, dispute, quarrel, differ, bicker, tangle, carp, wrangle, feud, spar, argue, complain, waffle, scuffle, tussle, defend, compete

British Dictionary definitions for altercate

altercate

verb

(intr) to argue, esp heatedly; dispute

Word Origin for altercate

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

Collins English Dictionary - Complete & Unabridged 2012 Digital Edition © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012

Word Origin and History for altercate

1520s, "to contend with words," from Latin altercatus, past participle of altercari (see altercation).