altercation

[awl-ter-key-shuhn]

noun

1. a heated or angry dispute; noisy argument or controversy.

   Synonyms: tiff, squabble, clash, disagreement, quarrel

altercation

/ ˌɔːltəˈkeɪʃən /

noun

1. an angry or heated discussion or quarrel; argument

Word History and Origins

Origin of altercation¹

1350–1400; Middle English altercacioun < Latin altercātiōn- (stem of altercātiō ). See altercate, -ion

Example Sentences

Nov. 28, the complaint said, Hernandez knocked the shades off Seitz’s head “in a rude and offensive manner” and “an altercation broke out.”

From Los Angeles Times

The performer, whose real name is Belcalis Marlenis Almánzar, added that Ms Ellis appeared to record her on her phone and refused to "back up", before a face-to-face "verbal altercation" ensued.

From BBC

The performer, whose real name is Belcalis Marlenis Almánzar, added that Ms Ellis appeared to record her on her phone, invaded her privacy and refused to "back up", before a face-to-face "verbal altercation" ensued.

From BBC

Rosen delved into the difference between a fight and a verbal altercation, asking whether he and the pop star were then having a verbal altercation.

From Los Angeles Times

Unverified videos and images published by TMZ appear to show the rapper wandering the streets before the police altercation unfolded.

From BBC

Related Words

• argument 
• bickering 
• blowup 
• brawl 
• flap 
• fracas 
• quarrel 
• run-in 
• tiff 
• wrangle