altercation
/,ɔ:ltə:'keiʃn/
Học thuậtThân thiện
Definition
Noun: A noisy, heated argument or quarrel, often involving strong disagreement and angry words.
Examples
- The two drivers had a brief altercation after the minor collision.
- Their political discussion escalated into a loud altercation.
- The security guard intervened to break up the altercation in the bar.
Usage
"Altercation" is used to describe a verbal fight or angry dispute. It emphasizes the noisy, confrontational nature of the argument. It is a formal word, more common in written English (e.g., news reports, police reports) than in casual conversation.
Advanced Usage
- To have an altercation with someone: To be involved in a noisy argument with a specific person.
- The player had an altercation with the referee over the call.
- A verbal altercation: Specifies that the conflict was only with words, not physical.
- The meeting was disrupted by a verbal altercation between two board members.
Variants and Related Words
- Altercate (verb, archaic/formal): To argue or dispute heatedly.
- The scholars would often altercate over minor details.
Synonyms
- Argument: A general term for an exchange of opposing views.
- Quarrel: An angry argument, often personal.
- Dispute: A disagreement or debate, which can be formal or informal.
- Fracas: A noisy disturbance or quarrel, often involving a small crowd.
- Row (chiefly British): A noisy argument or dispute.
Antonyms
- Agreement: Harmony or accordance in opinion.
- Concord: A state of peaceful harmony.
- Accord: Official agreement or harmony.
Related Phrases and Idioms
- To come to blows: To start fighting physically (often follows an altercation).
- Their altercation nearly came to blows before they were separated.