altercation
Translation
argument, quarrel, dispute
Examples
He was involved in an altercation with a police officer.
He was involved in an altercation with a police officer.
Grammar Patterns
an altercation ((with sb.)) a noisy argument with (sb.) He had an altercation with the referee.
Similar Words
Synonyms: argument, quarrel, dispute, row; Antonyms: agreement, harmony, accord
Etymology
From Latin 'altercari' (to quarrel), related to 'alter' (other). A dispute between one 'other' and another.
Memory Tips
Sounds more formal than 'argument'. Imagine two people forcefully trying to 'alter' each other's opinions.