face-off

1 of 2

noun

ˈfās-ˌȯf 

1

: a method of beginning play (as in hockey or lacrosse) in which two opponents face each other and attempt to gain control of a puck or ball dropped or placed between them

2

: confrontation

face off

2 of 2

verb

faced off; facing off; faces off

intransitive verb

: to be in or come into opposition or competition

politicians facing off against each other in a televised debate

Synonyms

Noun

• ball game
• battle
• combat
• competition
• conflict
• confrontation
• contention
• contest
• dogfight
• duel
• grapple
• match
• rivalry
• strife
• struggle
• sweepstakes
• sweep-stake
• tug-of-war
• war
• warfare

Verb

• battle
• compete
• contend
• fight
• race
• rival
• vie

Examples of face-off in a Sentence

Noun

the annual fall face-off between these traditional rivals is a big event for both football-mad colleges

Verb

eager to face off with her longtime tennis rival

Recent Examples on the Web

Noun

Despite Prescott's season-ending injury, their tradition will remain the same as the Cowboys face-off against the New York Giants — but with a twist! —Skyler Caruso, People.com, 28 Nov. 2024

By the calculus of marquee appeal, this final face-off makes sense: What could be more rousing, in theory, than Mescal versus Denzel — than pitting a rising star against one of Hollywood’s most bankable veterans? —A.a. Dowd, Vulture, 21 Nov. 2024

Verb

The Razorbacks and Fighting Illini face off at State Farm Center in a game that will test both teams' early-season progress and provide valuable experience ahead of conference play. —Yaakov Katz, Newsweek, 28 Nov. 2024

The canines compete within their categories for First in Group, then those seven finalists face off for Best in Show. —Rachel Treisman, NPR, 27 Nov. 2024

Word History

First Known Use

Noun

1889, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Verb

1948, in the meaning defined above

Kids Definition

face-off

1 of 2 noun

ˈfā-ˌsȯf

1

: a method of putting a puck in play in ice hockey by dropping it between two opposing players

2

: a meeting of opposing forces : confrontation

face off

2 of 2 verb

: to be in or come into opposition or competition

politicians facing off each other in a debate