affray

[ uh-frey ]

noun

1. a public fight; a noisy quarrel; brawl.

   Synonyms: melee, altercation, fracas, row

2. Law. the fighting of two or more persons in a public place.

verb (used with object)

1. Archaic. to frighten.

affray

/ əˈfreɪ /

noun

1. law a fight, noisy quarrel, or disturbance between two or more persons in a public place

verb

1. archaic.
   tr to frighten

Word History and Origins

Origin of affray¹

1275–1325; Middle English < Anglo-French afray (noun), afrayer (v.), Old French esfrei (noun), esfreer (v.) < Vulgar Latin *exfridāre to break the peace, equivalent to ex- ex- ¹ + -frid- peace (< Germanic; compare German Friede ) + -āre infinitive suffix

Word History and Origins

Origin of affray¹

C14: via Old French from Vulgar Latin exfridāre (unattested) to break the peace; compare German Friede peace

Example Sentences

A second defendant - Elijah Seriki, 21, from Hackney - was acquitted of threatening another with a knife, affray, possessing a firearm with intent to endanger life and having an article with a blade or point.

From BBC

Four men arrested on suspicion of affray and assault remain on bail.

From BBC

Another man, arrested earlier on suspicion of affray, was in hospital, police said.

From BBC

Four men, including the two brothers, arrested on suspicion of affray and assault remain on bail.

From BBC

Buckley was sentenced in April 2023 for offences including house burglary, making threats with an offensive weapon, affray, theft and possessing a Class B drug.

From BBC