face-off

American  

[feys-awf, -of] / ˈfeɪsˌɔf, -ˌɒf /

noun

Ice Hockey.

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

2. an open confrontation.

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face-off British  

noun

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

2. a confrontation

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verb

1. to start play by (a face-off)

Etymology

Origin of face-off

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

Example Sentences

The supporters at Santagiulia were partisan in favour of the Canadians, with the USA team roundly booed before face-off.

From BBC

From the opening face-off, it was immediately clear that a different Canada came ready for battle.

From The Wall Street Journal

It was looking as though we wouldn’t get a badly needed, monthslong, toe-to-toe face-off about all that’s right and wrong in the sprawling metropolis of high hopes and low expectations.

From Los Angeles Times

The face-off there is in the part of the country not controlled by the Houthi militant group.

From The Wall Street Journal

After all talk, the face-off passed without incident with Paul striking a bizarre pose, pushing his stomach out, placing his hands on his back, raising his eyebrows and even bringing his hand to Joshua's chest.

From BBC