Definition of: altercation

(ô1′tər·kä′shən, al′-) noun
Angry controversy; disputing; wrangling. Synonyms: affray, brawl, broil, contention, controversy, debate, discussion, disputation, dispute, dissension, disturbance, fracas, quarrel, wrangle, wrangling. Dispute is preferably used of rights and claims; as, the title or the will is in dispute; debate and discussion refer rather to abstract matters, and may be entirely amicable. Disputation has a touch of bitterness. Altercation, contention, controversy, and wrangle are all words signifying more or less of ill-feeling; so is dispute in common speech; as, a sharp dispute. Contention and controversy are capable of a good sense in the learned or elevated style. See QUARREL. Antonyms: agreement, concord, consonance, harmony, unanimity, unity.