confrontation

[ kon-fruhn-tey-shuhn, -fruhn- ]

noun

1. an act of confronting.
2. the state of being confronted.
3. a meeting of persons face to face.
4. an open conflict of opposing ideas, forces, etc.
5. a bringing together of ideas, themes, etc., for comparison.
6. Psychology. a technique used in group therapy, as in encounter groups, in which one is forced to recognize one's shortcomings and their possible consequences.

confrontation

/ kɒnˈfrʌntmənt; ˌkɒnfrʌnˈteɪʃən /

noun

1. the act or an instance of confronting
2. a situation of mutual hostility between two powers or nations without open warfare
3. a state of conflict between two antagonistic forces, creeds, or ideas etc

Derived Forms

• ˌconfronˈtational, adjective

Other Words From

• non·con·fron·ta·tion noun
• re·con·fron·ta·tion noun

Word History and Origins

Origin of confrontation¹

First recorded in 1625–35; confront + -ation; compare Medieval Latin confrontātiō, French, Middle French confrontation

Example Sentences

In Moscow, the Kremlin said the Biden administration’s decision was a major step toward a direct confrontation between Russia and NATO.

From New York Times

Hours after our confrontation outside the site of the Zhuhai attack, carloads of police had arrived to better manage the situation.

From BBC

The rise in dissent towards officials was reflected in the £1m of fines for surrounding referees and mass confrontations in 2022-23.

From BBC

When there’s a long, shared history, as is the case with David and Benji, two people can “hold each other accountable” and deal with confrontation in ways rarely explored in film otherwise, she points out.

From Los Angeles Times

Later that month, three civilians were killed in confrontations between the military and gangs.

From Los Angeles Times

Related Words

• battle
• contest
• crisis
• dispute
• encounter
• fight
• meeting
• showdown
• strife