altercation
altercation, heated argument
noun al-tehr-kah-SYOHN Rare
Origin: Latin altercatio, from altercari (to dispute)
Usage Note
Altercation denotes a brief but sharp verbal dispute, often in public. It is more formal than dispute or accrochage and implies raised voices rather than physical fighting. Avoir une altercation avec quelqu'un means to get into a heated row with someone.
Examples
"Les deux voisins ont eu une altercation dans la rue."
Natural Translation
The two neighbors had an altercation in the street.
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