Phrasal verb
face off
Definitions
01to confront an opponent
B2 · Upper Intermediate
phr.v. to prepare for a competition, argument, or fight against another person or group.
phr.v. to take up a position of confrontation or competition against an opponent. The verb is intransitive and often followed by 'against'.
“The two presidential candidates will face off in a live debate tonight.”
“The rival tech giants are expected to face off in court next month over a series of disputed patent claims regarding mobile hardware.”
02a confrontation or sports start
B2 · Upper Intermediate Countable noun Sports
n. a competition or argument between two people; in sports like hockey, it is how the game starts.
n. a direct confrontation between opposing parties; in ice hockey and lacrosse, the method of starting play by dropping the puck or ball between two players.
“The tense face-off between the protesters and the police lasted for several hours.”
“The referee signaled for a face-off in the neutral zone after the puck was frozen against the boards by the defending team.”
Usage
Often spelled with a hyphen (face-off) when used as a noun.
Synonyms
Collocations
Common phrases and expressions where native English speakers use the word “face off” in context.
Verb
01. face off against an opponent
“The champion will face off against a younger opponent in the final round.”
verb + prep + noun
02. face off in court
“The two tech giants are set to face off in court over patent infringement.”
verb + prep + noun
03. prepare to face off
“The two rival candidates are preparing to face off in a televised debate tonight.”
verb + infinitive
Noun
04. chance to face off
“The tournament gives amateur players a rare chance to face off against professionals.”
noun + infinitive
Adverb
05. directly face off
“The protesters and the police directly faced off in the center of the square.”
adv + verb
06. regularly face off
“These two local football teams regularly face off during the summer tournament.”
adv + verb
Teaching tip
the term originates from ice hockey, where the referee drops the puck between two players to start play; this physical image helps students visualize the direct confrontation.
Phrasal verb
Particles
off
Separability
inseparable
Pattern
face + off (+ against + object)
Synonyms
Antonyms
Grammar
- Exam level
- CambridgeCambridgeCambridge English QualificationsThe exam suite from Cambridge University Press & Assessment, from A1 Movers up to C2 Proficiency. The benchmark names double as CEFR labels.B2 FirstIELTSIELTSInternational English Language Testing SystemThe 0–9 band test co-owned by the British Council, IDP, and Cambridge. Used for university entry, work, and migration.5.5–6.5TOEFL iBTTOEFL iBTTest of English as a Foreign Language, Internet-Based TestETS's academic English test, the standard route for US university admissions. Scored 0–120, with a 1–6 scale since 2026.1–6 scale: 4.0–4.572–94TOEICTOEICTest of English for International CommunicationETS's workplace English test, big in Japan and Korea. Listening & Reading scores 10–990 and tops out at C1.785–944
- Frequency
- Very common
- Level
- B2 · Upper IntermediateOxford
- Updated
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