ENGLISH
REFERENCE

confrontation

n.
US //ˌkɑnfɹənˈteɪʃən// UK //kɒnfɹəntˈeɪʃən// con·fronta·tion
  1. 1 an argument or disagreement (n.)
    B2 Upper Intermediate

    a situation where you face someone to argue about a problem or disagreement.

    a face-to-face encounter between people with opposing views, typically involving heated or hostile communication.

    Example

    The manager wanted to avoid a direct confrontation with the angry customer.

    Example

    The mediator worked tirelessly to prevent the heated debate from escalating into a full-blown personal confrontation between the two executives.

    Usage

    Often used with the verbs 'avoid' or 'seek'.
  2. 2 military or physical fight (n.)
    C1 Advanced Formal

    a fight or battle between two groups, like armies or protesters.

    a physical or armed conflict between opposing forces or groups.

    Example

    There were violent confrontations between the police and the protesters in the city centre.

    Example

    Diplomatic efforts were intensified to prevent a military confrontation along the disputed border as tensions reached a breaking point.

    Usage

    Commonly used in political and military reporting.
Origin

From Middle French. Morphologically confront + -ation.

Word family

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