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 Word Forms

• 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

In full drag regalia, they unflinchingly confront the encroaching darkness with a theatrical exuberance that says, “I’m here, my eyes are open and I care.”

From Los Angeles Times

When I’m confronted with her point of view, I see it as more evidence that keeping my relationship intact has been a true accomplishment.

From Los Angeles Times

When they escape one day, he takes chase and finds a dead body, forcing him to confront his own grief, in Man's Best Friend at Tron, Glasgow, 19 June-12 July.

From BBC

Whether chronicling the tragic history of the American chestnut, or the anger of contemporary activists confronting climate change, Powers’ concentric plots spin.

From Los Angeles Times

I have personally experienced these difficulties at the voting booth, confronted with measures I knew nothing about and propositions worded in such convoluted language that making a clear decision felt nearly impossible.

From Salon

Related Words

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