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

Mrs MacDonald was also asked about a physical altercation between her husband and Mr MacKinnon in 2013 - nine years before he is accused of murdering him.

From BBC

She was arrested Aug. 9 after security personnel noticed her and her boyfriend getting into a physical altercation at the theme park, which is adjacent to the Universal CityWalk dining and shopping district.

From Los Angeles Times

Both Jackson and her boyfriend denied reports of a physical altercation, a source told TMZ in August.

From Los Angeles Times

It was not without enjoyable moments, though, from Joe McCarthy's altercation with Scott Barrett to Garry Ringrose's crunching hit on Rieko Ioane, who played the role of the villain following his spat with Johnny Sexton.

From BBC

Nicholas Wimbish allegedly had a verbal altercation with a voter on Oct.

From Los Angeles Times

Related Words

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