Definition

1. Noun:
   • An angry dispute or argument: A "run-in" is a brief, often heated, conflict or disagreement between people.

Usage

• The word "run-in" is used as a countable noun, typically preceded by articles like "a" or "the." It describes a confrontation, often unexpected or unpleasant.
• It is commonly used in informal contexts to describe arguments with authority figures (like police or bosses) or minor clashes with acquaintances.

Examples

• Noun:
  • He had a run-in with his neighbor over the loud music.
  • The manager's run-in with the client was resolved quickly.
  • She avoided a run-in with the law by paying the fine promptly.

Advanced Usage

• "To have a run-in with someone": This is the most common collocation, meaning to experience a conflict or argument with a specific person or entity.
  • The journalist had a run-in with a government official during the press conference.

Variants and Related Words

• Run-in (as a noun in printing): In a completely different, specialized context (typography/publishing), a "run-in" can refer to text where paragraphs continue without starting on a new line. This meaning is unrelated to the primary definition of a dispute.
  • The glossary was formatted as a run-in to save space.

Synonyms

• Argument: A situation where people disagree, often angrily.
• Quarrel: An angry argument or disagreement.
• Altercation: A noisy argument or confrontation.
• Disagreement: A lack of consensus or harmony.
• Clash: A conflict or disagreement.

Related Phrases

• Brush with the law: A minor, brief encounter or conflict with police or legal authorities. This is similar to "a run-in with the law."
  • His first run-in with the law was for speeding.

Notes

• The term "run-in" should not be confused with the phrasal verb "run in," which has separate meanings such as "to arrest someone" or "to break in a new engine."
• The primary and most common meaning of the noun "run-in" is a quarrel or dispute.

Noun

1. an angry dispute
   • they had a quarrel
   • they had words