face-off

[ feys-awf, -of ]

/ ˈfeɪsˌɔf, -ˌɒf /

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noun Ice Hockey.

the act of facing the puck, as at the start of a game or period.

an open confrontation.

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Origin of face-off

First recorded in 1895–1900; noun use of verb phrase face off

Words nearby face-off

faceless, facelift, facemail, face mask, face-nail, face-off, face out, face pack, facepalm, face-plant, faceplate

Dictionary.com Unabridged Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023

How to use face-off in a sentence

In that photo, Merabet has a big smile that spreads across his whole face and lights up his eyes.
The Muslim Cop Killed by Terrorists|Michael Daly|January 9, 2015|DAILY BEAST
Cassandra, whose hair has already begun to fall out from her court-mandated chemotherapy, could face a similar outcome.
Should Teens Have The Right To Die?|Brandy Zadrozny|January 8, 2015|DAILY BEAST
They know they will face either a swift backlash or deafening silence.
Phylicia Rashad and the Cult of Cosby Truthers|Stereo Williams|January 8, 2015|DAILY BEAST
Although the blood-spattered offices will be off-limits, staff have vowed to continue producing the magazine.
France Mourns—and Hunts|Nico Hines, Christopher Dickey|January 8, 2015|DAILY BEAST

A passing off-duty school safety officer named Fred Lucas said that he had been told the man was a drug dealer.
Shot Down During the NYPD Slowdown|Michael Daly|January 7, 2015|DAILY BEAST
It is most peculiar, and when he plays that way, the most bewitching little expression comes over his face.
Music-Study in Germany|Amy Fay
Bernard stood there face to face with Mrs. Vivian, whose eyes seemed to plead with him more than ever.
Confidence|Henry James
A Yankee, whose face had been mauled in a pot-house brawl, assured General Jackson that he had received his scars in battle.
The Book of Anecdotes and Budget of Fun;|Various
With a suffocating gasp, she fell back into the chair on which she sat, and covered her face with her hands.
The Pastor's Fire-side Vol. 3 of 4|Jane Porter
Joe looked at her with a smile, his face still solemn and serious for all its youth and the fires of new-lit hope behind his eyes.
The Bondboy|George W. (George Washington) Ogden

British Dictionary definitions for face-off

face-off

noun

ice hockey the method of starting a game, in which the referee drops the puck, etc between two opposing players

a confrontation

verb face off (adverb)

to start play by (a face-off)

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

face-off

Origin of face-off

Words nearby face-off

Words related to face-off

How to use face-off in a sentence

British Dictionary definitions for face-off