altercation
al-ter-KAY-shun
/ˌɒl.təˈkeɪ.ʃən/
A noisy, heated argument or disagreement, typically in public.
More formal than 'fight' but implies a lot of noise and visible anger. It often stops just short of physical violence.
The story behind the word. From Latin 'altercari,' which means to dispute with another. It comes from 'alter' (the other), implying a back-and-forth between two people.
Word relationships
- row: A 'row' is more British and informal; 'altercation' is more formal and clinical.
- amicability: Amicability is a spirit of friendliness; altercation is its opposite.
Commonly confused with
- alteration: An alteration is a change (like to a dress); an altercation is a fight.
Word family
- altercate (verb): To dispute noisily (rarely used).
Collocations
- heated altercation
- verbal altercation
- physical altercation
Example sentences
- "The two drivers were involved in a brief altercation following the minor collision." Police report.
- "The referee broke up an altercation between the rival players on the field." Sports news.
Memory hook
When you have an altercation, you are acting out against the 'alter' (other) person. An 'alter' (other) person 'cation' (action).
When not to use
Not for a quiet, cold disagreement or a written debate.
Fun facts
- In legal contexts, an altercation is often the precursor to a charge of 'disturbing the peace'.
Related words
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