Altercation
/ˌɔːltərˈkeɪʃən/noun
A noisy argument or disagreement.
Did you know?In medieval courts, an 'altercation' often involved accusations of sorcery and witchcraft, revealing the tension between law and the occult.
Etymological Timeline
Latin
Latin
altercatio
“A dispute or quarrel.”
Late Latin
Late Latin
altercari
“To dispute, to argue.”
Old French
Old French
altercation
“A contentious or hostile discussion.”
14th Century
Middle English
altercacioun
“The act of disputing or arguing.”
Modern English
English
altercation
“A heated argument or noisy dispute.”