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 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

Mr Cattie acknowledges Mr Bane was convicted in that single case - but he adds: "There's absolutely no indication that he ever had a violent altercation with Sarm."

From BBC

Shooting the pool altercation was a challenging day.

From Los Angeles Times

Related Words

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