confrontation
What does "confrontation" mean?
A confrontation is a hostile or argumentative meeting between opposing parties. The mental image is of two people or groups standing face-to-face, refusing to back down, often with tension so thick you could cut it with a knife. It is a formal term used to describe direct conflict, whether verbal or physical. While "argument" might imply a simple disagreement, "confrontation" suggests a deliberate, often planned face-off where emotions are high and a resolution is being demanded.
"confrontation" in conversation
Office conflict
I need to address the missing data with Mark today.
I need to address the missing data with Mark today.
Are you ready for the confrontation? He can be very defensive.
Are you ready for the confrontation? He can be very defensive.
Used here to describe an anticipated difficult meeting.
Avoiding drama
I saw my ex at the party, but I walked the other way.
I saw my ex at the party, but I walked the other way.
Smart move. You definitely didn't need a confrontation in front of everyone.
Smart move. You definitely didn't need a confrontation in front of everyone.
Highlights the desire to avoid public scene-making.
"confrontation" in a sentence
The two neighbors had a brief confrontation over the property line.
The two neighbors had a brief confrontation over the property line.
He wanted to avoid a direct confrontation with his boss about the new policy.
He wanted to avoid a direct confrontation with his boss about the new policy.
Their political ideologies led to an inevitable confrontation during the televised debate.
Their political ideologies led to an inevitable confrontation during the televised debate.
