German word

Konfrontation

Pronunciation

IPA/kɔnfrɔntaˈtsi̯oːn/

Meaning

  • feminine nounconfrontation

Example

Wir wollen eine Konfrontation vermeiden.

We want to avoid a confrontation.

Illustration for Konfrontation (confrontation)

More examples

Die Debatte drohte in eine Konfrontation zu eskalieren.

The debate threatened to escalate into a confrontation.

Core concept

People or groups stand across from each other in a tense dispute that demands a direct response.

Common phrases

  • auf eine Konfrontation zusteuern

    head toward a confrontation

  • eine Konfrontation abwenden

    avert a confrontation

  • potenzielle Konfrontation

    potential confrontation

Similar words

Konflikt: A state of opposing interests or opinions that calls for settlement.
Auseinandersetzung: A verbal dispute in which people argue their opposing positions.
Streit: An angry quarrel that can develop into a fight.
Zusammenstoß: An event in which people, forces, or ideas collide.

Definition in German

Offener Gegensatz oder Streit, bei dem Parteien einander direkt gegenüberstehen und Konflikte frontal austragen.

Word origin

The German noun Konfrontation comes through French confrontation from Latin confrontatio, which derives from con- 'together' and frons 'forehead' or 'front'.

Usage tips

  • Konfrontation usually suggests a direct, adversarial encounter and is stronger than a neutral difference of opinion.

Other meanings

  • clashnoun
  • showdownnoun

Opposites

Related words

  • konfrontatorischconfrontationaladjective
  • Konfrontationsbereitschaftreadiness for confrontationnoun

Word lists with this word