face-off

[feys-awf, -of]

noun

Ice Hockey.

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

2. an open confrontation.

face-off

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

verb

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

Word History and Origins

Origin of face-off¹

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

Example Sentences

Another shooting occurred on the 4 July public holiday at an ICE facility in Alvarado, Texas, after a protest escalated into a face-off with police.

From BBC

After a news conference full of squabbling, the face-off passed without major incident.

From BBC

A ceremonial public event is scheduled later at the T-Mobile Arena which will be the final face-off before fight night.

From BBC

After a tense face-off the pair turned to the crowd but Usyk walked forward and flexed his muscles to block his rival from view before Dubois followed him.

From BBC

On Saturday, it devolved into chaos when one kid challenged their dad to a face-off.

From BBC