altercation

Everyday

1. (formal) An altercation is a noisy argument or small fight between people, usually in public. tree →
2. (formal, news and police) It is a polite word reporters and police use for a fight or scuffle when they do not want to give details. tree →

In the lessons

You meet this word mostly in news reports, police statements, school incident reports and exam passages, not in children's chat. It tells the reader that people argued loudly or pushed each other, but often hides how bad it was. Phrases: «a verbal altercation» (only words), «a physical altercation» (pushing or hitting), «be involved in an altercation», «an altercation broke out».

Examples

• There was an altercation between two fans outside the stadium. tree →
• The report said a brief altercation took place in the playground. tree →
• Police were called after a verbal altercation in the car park. tree →
• The headteacher wrote that both boys were involved in the altercation. tree →
• A physical altercation broke out at the bus stop. tree →
• Nobody was hurt in the altercation. tree →
• The players had an altercation with the referee. tree →

Note

Countable noun. A stiff, formal word: in everyday speech people say «argument», «row» (UK), «fight», «scrap» or «bust-up». Stress on «-CA-»: al-ter-CAY-shun. «Verbal» altercation means only shouting, not hitting. Do not mix it up with «alteration» (a change).