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

A student movement organisation first published the video of the arrest, reporting that Ms Daryaei had an altercation with security agents over not wearing a headscarf, leading to her undressing during the scuffle.

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

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

From Los Angeles Times

The altercation apparently started after the driver asked Ikwechegh to go outside to collect the food, rather than him taking it inside.

From BBC

And outside of a police altercation that rattles one sensitive organizer, thankfully nothing like the gun violence seen in Kopple’s film happens here.

From Los Angeles Times

Related Words

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