confrontation

Everyday

1. A confrontation is an angry argument or fight between people or groups who disagree. tree →
2. A confrontation is a meeting where someone faces a person or problem directly, for example to talk about something wrong. tree →
3. (formal) Confrontation is the act of facing up to danger or a difficult situation. tree →

In the lessons

In lessons about fights and conflict, pupils learn how to avoid or calm a confrontation, for example by walking away, using calm words or getting an adult. In stories, a confrontation is often the big moment when the hero faces the villain. In news, it describes clashes between police and protesters or between countries. Phrases: «avoid confrontation», «a face-to-face confrontation», «a confrontation with», «direct confrontation».

Examples

• Sam wanted to avoid a confrontation with the older boys. tree →
• The story ends with a confrontation between the knight and the dragon. tree →
• There was a confrontation between fans after the match. tree →
• The teacher had a calm confrontation with the boy about the broken window. tree →
• Walking away from a confrontation can be the bravest choice. tree →
• The protest ended in a confrontation with police. tree →

Note

Countable for one event, uncountable for the idea. Verb: confront (confronted); adjective: confrontational (likes to argue or fight). Stress: con-fron-TAY-shun. A confrontation is not always violent; it can be calm and honest talking.