altercation

noun

al·​ter·​ca·​tion ˌȯl-tər-ˈkā-shən How to pronounce altercation (audio)
: a noisy, heated, angry dispute
He got into several altercations with his boss.
also : noisy controversy
Choose the Right Synonym for altercation

quarrel, wrangle, altercation, squabble mean a noisy dispute usually marked by anger.

quarrel implies heated verbal contention, stressing strained or severed relations which may persist beyond the contention.

a quarrel nearly destroyed the relationship

wrangle suggests undignified and often futile disputation with a noisy insistence on differing opinions.

wrangle interminably about small issues

altercation implies fighting with words as the chief weapon, although it may also connote blows.

a loud public altercation

squabble stresses childish and unseemly dispute over petty matters, but it need not imply bitterness or anger.

a brief squabble over what to do next

Examples of altercation in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web His family is still trying to piece together what happened on the night of the altercation and are seeking out video footage from people who may have witnessed the fight. Corin Cesaric, Peoplemag, 6 Mar. 2024 The police department released video of the altercation on Facebook on Tuesday, which was captured by one of the bystanders. Greg Wehner, Fox News, 5 Mar. 2024 During the altercation, the woman was able to wake up the other people in the home who confronted the man, prosecutors said. Olivia Lloyd, Charlotte Observer, 5 Mar. 2024 During the altercation, the woman fought back, took the weapon from Tranchant and stabbed him, then fled to safety, deputies said. Makiya Seminera, Miami Herald, 4 Mar. 2024 The physical altercation was broken up by students and a faculty member, police have said. Virginia Langmaid, CNN, 2 Mar. 2024 Principal Chris Zuck said in an email that a school resource officer found the student in the cafeteria and an altercation ensued between the teen, the officer and staff members, without providing further details. Sarah Ritter, Kansas City Star, 26 Feb. 2024 Milwaukee police said the incident is believed to be related to domestic violence and a physical altercation in which all four victims exchanged gunfire with unknown individuals. Jessica Rodriguez, Journal Sentinel, 25 Feb. 2024 Franklin police released a statement Jan. 16 confirming a Milwaukee man was stabbed in the leg during the two-person altercation. Journal Sentinel, 26 Feb. 2024

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'altercation.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

Word History

Etymology

Middle English altercacioun, borrowed from Anglo-French & Latin; Anglo-French altercacion, borrowed from Latin altercātiōn-, altercātiō, from altercārī, altercāre "to dispute vehemently, wrangle" + -tiōn-, -tiō, suffix of verbal action — more at altercate

First Known Use

14th century, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of altercation was in the 14th century

Dictionary Entries Near altercation

Cite this Entry

“Altercation.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/altercation. Accessed 19 Mar. 2024.

Kids Definition

altercation

noun
al·​ter·​ca·​tion ˌȯl-tər-ˈkā-shən How to pronounce altercation (audio)
: a noisy or angry dispute

More from Merriam-Webster on altercation

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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