Altercation
/ˌɔːltərˈkeɪʃən/
nounB2
Definition
An altercation is a strong and loud argument between two or more people. It often involves raised voices and strong feelings, but it usually does not mean a physical fight. People have altercations when they disagree strongly and express their anger openly.
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⚡ See It in Action
A loud and angry argument or disagreement
- •They had an altercation over who should pay the bill.
- •The altercation between the neighbors was heard by everyone on the street.
- •Police were called after an altercation broke out in the restaurant.
🧲 Make It Stick
- ✓Think of "altercation" like "argument" (A2 word), but louder and more intense—more like a quick, noisy fight with words
- ✓Picture two people talking loudly and angrily, their faces showing frustration and voices raised
- ✓It's the feeling when you get upset and start saying strong things to someone who disagrees with you
- ✓Sounds like "all-ter-KAY-shun" → imagine two people calling each other "all-ter-kay!" in a loud voice during a fight
- ✓Think of a scene in a movie where two characters suddenly start shouting at each other over a misunderstanding
- ✓NOT like "discussion" (calm and polite talk), "altercation" is loud and angry
- ✓NOT like "fistfight" (physical fight), "altercation" is usually just with words and voices
- ✓NOT like "quarrel" (can be long and quiet), "altercation" is short and noisy
🔄 Try Other Words
- •Argument: a reasoned or angry discussion (Use when the disagreement is less noisy or less intense)
- •Quarrel: a serious disagreement or fight (Use when the argument is longer or more personal)
- •Dispute: a formal or serious disagreement (Use when emphasizing the conflict is official or legal)
🔍 Unboxing
- •Word parts: "alter-" (change) + "-cation" (a noun suffix meaning action or process)
- •Etymology: From Latin "altercatio," meaning a noisy or heated dispute or debate
- •Historical development: Used since the 1400s in English to describe loud arguments or disputes
- •Modern usage: Commonly used to describe a short, angry argument, often between strangers or in public places
💭 Reflect & Connect
•Have you ever witnessed an altercation? How did it make you feel?
•Why do you think people sometimes choose words to fight instead of staying calm?
Fill in the blanks with the correct word:
1.The altercation began because both sides ___ their opinions loudly without listening.
2.During the altercation, voices were ___ and people seemed very angry.
3.Unlike a quiet disagreement, an altercation is usually ___ and emotional.
4.After the altercation, the two people decided to ___ and stop arguing.
5.The police arrived quickly because the altercation looked like it might ___ into something worse.
6.She tried to avoid the altercation by ___ before things got louder.
7.An altercation often happens when people feel ___ or frustrated about a situation.