altercation
UK: ˌɒltəˈkeɪʃən | US: ˌɔːltərˈkeɪʃən
n. a noisy argument or disagreement, especially in public
altercation = alterc<wrangle> + ation<noun suffix>
- alterc (from Latin altercari, meaning "to dispute" or "wrangle," derived from alter "other")
- ation (a noun-forming suffix indicating an action or process)
Etymology Origin:
The word "altercation" traces back to the Latin altercatio, meaning "a dispute" or "verbal contention." It stems from altercari ("to argue with another"), which itself comes from alter ("other"). This reflects the core idea of a back-and-forth exchange between opposing sides. Over time, the term evolved in English to emphasize heated or noisy quarrels, retaining its original sense of conflict but with added intensity.
The debate turned into a loud altercation between the two politicians.
A minor traffic incident sparked an altercation among the drivers.
She avoided the altercation by walking away calmly.
The bar staff intervened to stop the altercation before it escalated.
His reputation suffered after a public altercation with a journalist.