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

The stylish drama focuses on the ramifications of an altercation between two elementary-school-age kids.

From Los Angeles Times

About 40 bicyclists were pedaling south on Figueroa Street, just north of Martin Luther King Boulevard, when an altercation took place between the group and the driver of the sedan, California Highway Patrol Sgt.

From Los Angeles Times

In the report, the alleged victim describes an altercation with Hegseth near the hotel pool before the assault.

From Salon

A student movement organisation first published the video of the arrest, reporting that Ms Daryaei had an altercation with security agents over not wearing a headscarf, leading to her undressing during the scuffle.

From BBC

She was arrested Aug. 9 after security personnel noticed her and her boyfriend getting into a physical altercation at the theme park, which is adjacent to the Universal CityWalk dining and shopping district.

From Los Angeles Times

Related Words

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