Meaning of confront in English

Table of contents

Verb
confront
Etymology
mid 16th century: from French confronter, from medieval Latin confrontare, from Latin con-‘with’ + frons, front-‘face’
Definitions
1. oppose, as in hostility or a competition
Examples
- « You must confront your opponent »
- « Jackson faced Smith in the boxing ring »
- « The two enemies finally confronted each other »
Derived terms
2. deal with (something unpleasant) head on
Examples
- « You must confront your problems »
- « He faced the terrible consequences of his mistakes »
Antonyms
- avoid
Derived terms
3. present somebody with something, usually to accuse or criticize
Examples
- « We confronted him with the evidence »
- « He was faced with all the evidence and could no longer deny his actions »
- « An enormous dilemma faces us »
Derived terms
4. be face to face with
Examples
- « The child screamed when it confronted the man in the halloween costume »
Derived terms

Famous quotes

« The challenges of change are always hard. It is important that we begin to unpack those challenges that confront this nation and realize that we each have a role that requires us to change and become more responsible for shaping our own future. »
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« I had to confront my fears and master my every demonic thought about inferiority, insecurity, or the fear of being black, young, and gifted in this Western culture. »
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« All of the great leaders have had one characteristic in common: it was the willingness to confront unequivocally the major anxiety of their people in their time. This, and not much else, is the essence of leadership. »
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