altercation

/ˌɔːltəˈkeɪʃn/ (bre, ipa) · /ˌɔːltərˈkeɪʃn/ (ame, ipa) · /ˌȯl-tər-ˈkā-shən/ (ame, mw)

altercation — noun

  • altercationsingular
  • altercationsplural

1. a loud and angry quarrel in which people exchange heated words, often in a publi

1.名詞B2
釋義

a loud and angry quarrel in which people exchange heated words, often in a public place

例句

Two drivers got into a loud altercation over the last parking space.

collocation: get into an altercation over [sth]

The neighbor's altercation with the delivery man woke Yuna's baby at three in the morning.

collocation: [sb]'s altercation with [sb]

同義詞
  • argument

    more general and less formal; used in everyday conversation

  • quarrel

    similar in meaning but slightly less formal; often personal

  • dispute

    can be formal or legal; does not necessarily imply shouting

反義詞
  • agreement

    opposite of any conflict or disagreement

  • reconciliation

    the act of resolving a conflict and restoring harmony

文法句型

have an altercation (with sb) over [sth]

get into an altercation (with sb)

[sb]'s altercation with [sb]

用法筆記

More formal than argument or quarrel. Frequently appears in news reports, police statements, or formal accounts of conflicts. Can describe both verbal and near-physical disputes, but not a premeditated fight or brawl.

常見錯誤

❌We had an altercation about what movie to watch.
✅We had a disagreement about what movie to watch.
💡Altercation implies a loud, angry tone; use disagreement for everyday differences of opinion.
❌The two boxers had an altercation in the ring.
✅The two boxers had a fight in the ring.
💡Altercation refers to an angry quarrel, not a regulated sporting contest with rules.