face-off

noun
UK: /ˈfeɪs.ɒf/
US: /ˈfeɪs.ɑːf/

  1. A way to start a game or part of a game in ice hockey, lacrosse, or other sports, where two players stand facing each other with their sticks on the ground, and the puck or ball is dropped between them.

    1. The game started with a face-off at center ice.
    2. The team needs to improve its face-off win percentage to gain more puck possession and control the play.

  2. A direct confrontation or contest between two individuals or groups.

    1. The final debate was a face-off between the two leading candidates.
    2. The tense face-off between the protesters and police lasted for several hours, with neither side willing to back down.

Synonyms

confrontation showdown contest encounter
face-off intransitive-verb

  1. To begin a game or part of a game with a face-off.

    1. The players face-off at the start of each period.
    2. The referee instructed the centers on how to properly face-off to avoid a penalty.

  2. To confront someone or something directly and aggressively.

    1. The two companies are set to face-off in court next month.
    2. The negotiators are preparing to face-off over the terms of the new trade agreement, which could have far-reaching implications.
face-off transitive-verb

  1. To cause two opponents to confront each other.

    1. The event will face-off the champion against the challenger.
    2. The tournament will face-off the top-ranked teams in the semifinals, promising some exciting matchups.

Frequently Asked Questions

The word "face-off" in English means: A way to start a game or part of a game in ice hockey, lacrosse, or other sports, where two players stand facing each other with their sticks on the ground, and the puck or ball is dropped between them., A direct confrontation or contest between two individuals or groups..

The phonetic transcription of "face-off" is /ˈfeɪs.ɒf/ in British English and /ˈfeɪs.ɑːf/ in American English. Click the 🔊 button to hear both pronunciations.

Synonyms for "face-off": confrontation, showdown, contest, encounter.

Example usage of "face-off": "The game started with a face-off at center ice.". More examples on the page.