confront

[ kuhn-fruhnt ]

verb (used with object)

1. to face in hostility or defiance; oppose:

   The feuding factions confronted one another.

2. to present for acknowledgment, contradiction, etc.; set face to face:

   They confronted him with evidence of his crime.

3. to face and deal with boldly or directly:

   The city refuses to confront the real reason for the housing shortage.

4. to stand or come in front of; stand or meet facing:

   The two long-separated brothers confronted each other speechlessly.

5. to be in one's way:

   the numerous obstacles that still confronted him.

6. to bring together for examination or comparison.

confront

/ kənˈfrʌnt /

verb

1. usually foll by with to present or face (with something), esp in order to accuse or criticize
2. to face boldly; oppose in hostility
3. to be face to face with; be in front of
4. to bring together for comparison

Derived Forms

• conˈfronter, noun

Other Words From

• con·front·er noun
• re·con·front verb (used with object)
• un·con·front·ed adjective

Word History and Origins

Origin of confront¹

First recorded in 1595–1605; from Medieval Latin confrontārī, equivalent to Latin con-, variant of intensive prefix com- + -frontārī, derivative of Latin frōns (stem front- ) “forehead”; con-, front

Word History and Origins

Origin of confront¹

C16: from Medieval Latin confrontārī to stand face to face with, from frons forehead

Example Sentences

"Smyth was protected in England and he was protected in Zimbabwe. The protection went on for so long it robbed victims the chance to confront Smyth as adults."

From BBC

Donald Trump’s appointments are a stark reminder of how easily history can repeat itself when we fail to confront it.

From Los Angeles Times

Roberts cited vague notions of “self-government” as the driving force in his desire for the United States to confront China.

From Salon

Right now, the first order of business is to shake off the defeat and confront the challenge of Donald Trump's ghastly agenda.

From Salon

That ability to confront and hold accountable without turning to real violence is important, particularly among men, suggests “Nickel Boys” director RaMell Ross.

From Los Angeles Times

Related Words

• accost
• defy
• encounter
• meet
• oppose
• repel
• resist