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 movie of yours my friends and me were obsessed with growing up was Face/Off.

From The Daily Beast

The Japanese government has been locked in a tense face-off with China over the islands for the past two years.

From The Daily Beast

Not everyone can watch the epic face-off in person on Sunday.

From The Daily Beast

The Cochran-McDaniel face-off is the latest major establishment vs. Tea Party showdown in the Deep South.

From The Daily Beast

Graham won his last race by 15 points, but Stamper is not certain to face-off against him.

From The Daily Beast