confrontation
Saykon-fruhn-TAY-shuhnUS/ˌkɑn.fɹənˈteɪ.ʃən//ˌkɒn.fɹənˈteɪ.ʃən/AUS/ˌkɔn.fɹənˈtæɪ.ʃən/
Pluralconfrontations
- 1A direct meeting where people argue with or challenge each other, often face to face.
Like two people standing face to face, ready to argue.
She tried to avoid a confrontation with her angry neighbor.
The argument turned into a loud confrontation outside the store.
Similarshowdown
Oppositeavoidance, conciliation, cooperation
- 2A fight or tense standoff between two armies or armed groups.
Like two armies facing each other, ready to fight.
The border confrontation lasted several days before peace talks began.
Soldiers braced for a possible confrontation with enemy troops at dawn.
Similarclash, conflict, standoff, engagement, encounter
Practice
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Origin
From Middle French. Made from the verb 'confront' plus '-ation'.