altercate

[ awl-ter-keyt ]

verb (used without object)

, al·ter·cat·ed, al·ter·cat·ing.

1. to argue or quarrel with zeal, heat, or anger; wrangle.

altercate

/ ˈɔːltəˌkeɪt /

verb

1. intr to argue, esp heatedly; dispute

Word History and Origins

Origin of altercate¹

1530–40; < Latin altercātus (past participle of altercārī to quarrel), equivalent to *alterc ( us ) a disputing ( alter other + -cus formative suffix) + -ātus -ate ¹

Word History and Origins

Origin of altercate¹

C16: from Latin altercārī to quarrel with another, from alter other

Example Sentences

Starting in order of the home team that has the least letters in their name, it's the battle of the As as anxious Arsenal altercate against atrocious Aston Villa.

From The Guardian

As far as I can make out that means me and the rest of the battery altercate every other night.

From Project Gutenberg

There they were, however, the two hearts, fighting it out, or at least altercating and threatening to fight and hurt her.

From Project Gutenberg

The essence of the law is altercation; for the law can altercate, fulminate, deprecate, irritate, and go on at any rate.

From Project Gutenberg

Lucifer bemoans his fall and altercates with the Chorus of Angels.

From Project Gutenberg

Related Words

• bicker
• clash
• contend
• differ
• dissent
• divide
• feud
• haggle
• object
• oppose
• quarrel
• quibble
• spar
• wrangle