fracas

[frey-kuhs, frak-uhs, frak-ah]

noun

1. a noisy, disorderly disturbance or fight; riotous brawl; uproar.

fracas

/ ˈfrækɑː /

noun

1. a noisy quarrel; brawl

Word History and Origins

Origin of fracas¹

First recorded in 1720–30; < French, from Italian fracasso, derivative of fracassare “to smash,” equivalent to fra- “completely” (from Latin infrā “among”) + cassare “to break”; cassation

Word History and Origins

Origin of fracas¹

C18: from French, from fracasser to shatter, from Latin frangere to break, influenced by quassāre to shatter

Example Sentences

Both rappers’ children were also pulled into the fracas.

Read more on Los Angeles Times

The fracas over the 29-year-old singer’s audio clip marks the second time in as many weeks that a major artist has taken flak from prominent conservatives over his perceived views of ICE.

Read more on The Wall Street Journal

He told the BBC that the US's immigration policy shifts in recent months had led to a sharp spike in enquiries from people looking to relocate, and the H-1B fracas could accelerate this trend.

Read more on BBC

Mohammed Fahir Amaaz, 20, was charged with assaulting the Greater Manchester Police officers during the fracas on 23 July last year, with a video of the incident being widely shared on social media.

Read more on BBC

A police officer involved in a fracas at Manchester Airport was an "uncontrolled bully with a badge", a jury has heard.

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Related Words

• altercation 
• bickering 
• brawl 
• brouhaha 
• feud 
• flap 
• fray 
• free-for-all 
• melee 
• quarrel 
• riot 
• scuffle 
• squabble 
• tumult 
• uproar