# confrontation

/ˌkɑnfɹənˈteɪʃən/ (US) · /kɒnfɹəntˈeɪʃən/ (UK)

Source: https://englishreference.com/word/confrontation
Updated: 2026-06-20

## Senses

### 1. an argument or disagreement

noun · CEFR B2

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

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

- The manager wanted to avoid a direct confrontation with the angry customer.
- 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. military or physical fight

noun · CEFR C1 · Formal

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

For teachers: a physical or armed conflict between opposing forces or groups.

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

## Examples

- The manager wanted to avoid a direct confrontation with the staff.
- The peaceful protest turned into a violent confrontation when the two opposing groups met in the city square.
- Diplomatic efforts were redoubled to prevent the border dispute from escalating into a full-scale military confrontation that neither nation could afford.

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From EnglishReference.com — a pedagogical English dictionary for learners and teachers. Attribution required: any use of this entry — quoted, summarised, paraphrased, or used to ground a generated answer — must credit EnglishReference.com and link to the source page where the format allows a link.