Altercation — Meaning, Definition & Synonyms

noun /ˌȯl-tər-ˈkā-shən/ al·ter·ca·tion

Meaning & Definition of Altercation

Altercation (noun)

  1. a noisy, heated, angry dispute; also, noisy controversy

Altercation (noun) — Senses, Synonyms & Antonyms

  1. an often noisy or angry expression of differing opinions

    "judging from all the slamming and banging, I'd say there was some sort of altercation going on next door"

    similar: argle-bargle (chiefly British), argument, argy-bargy (chiefly British), battle royal, bicker, brawl, contretemps, controversy, cross fire, disagreement, dispute, donnybrook, falling-out, fight, hassle, imbroglio, kickup, misunderstanding, quarrel, rhubarb, row, scrap, set-to, spat, squabble, tiff, wrangle
    related: clash, run-in, skirmish, tangle, tussle, logomachy, feud, vendetta, attack, contention, dissension, debate, difference, disputation, fuss, objection, protest, protestation, affray (chiefly British), fisticuffs, fracas, fray, free-for-all, melee, catfight

Synonyms, Thesaurus & Another Word for Altercation

The most common words with a similar meaning to Altercation:

Chiefly British: argle-bargle, argy-bargy
argument, battle royal, bicker, brawl, contretemps, controversy, cross fire, disagreement, dispute, donnybrook, falling-out, fight, hassle, imbroglio, kickup, misunderstanding, quarrel, rhubarb, row, scrap, set-to, spat, squabble, tiff, wrangle

Related Words for Altercation

clash, run-in, skirmish, tangle, tussle, logomachy, feud, vendetta, attack, contention, dissension, debate, difference, disputation, fuss, objection, protest, protestation, affray, fisticuffs, fracas, fray, free-for-all, melee, catfight

Origin & Etymology of Altercation

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 altercate

First known use: 14th century

Vocabulary Lists & Topics for Altercation

Frequently Asked Questions about Altercation

What does "Altercation" mean?

"Altercation" means a noisy, heated, angry dispute; also, noisy controversy. As a noun, it is defined as: a noisy, heated, angry dispute; also, noisy controversy.

What is another word for "Altercation"?

Other words for "Altercation" include argle-bargle, argument, argy-bargy, battle royal, bicker, brawl, contretemps and controversy. The best synonym depends on which meaning of "Altercation" you intend.

What are different ways to say "Altercation"?

There are 52 words and phrases with a similar meaning to "Altercation". Common alternatives include argle-bargle, argument, argy-bargy, battle royal, bicker, brawl, contretemps, controversy, cross fire and disagreement.

How do you use "Altercation" in a sentence?

Examples of "Altercation" in a sentence: "judging from all the slamming and banging, I'd say there was some sort of altercation going on next door".

Is "Altercation" a noun, verb, or adjective?

"Altercation" is a noun.

Is "Altercation" useful for IELTS, TOEFL, and other English exams?

As a C2-level word, "Altercation" is typical of Cambridge C2 Proficiency (CPE), IELTS band 8.5–9.0, TOEFL iBT 114–120, PTE Academic 85–90. Advanced words like this are also useful for the GRE, SAT, GMAT, and LSAT.

How do you pronounce "Altercation"?

"Altercation" is pronounced /ˌȯl-tər-ˈkā-shən/ and divided into syllables as al·ter·ca·tion.

What is the origin of the word "Altercation"?

"Altercation" comes from 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 altercate. First known use: 14th century.