square off

verb

squared off; squaring off; squares off

intransitive verb

: to take a fighting stance : prepare to fight
also : fight

Examples of square off in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
California is perhaps uniquely equipped to square off against Trump's new administration's plans, as the state possesses the second largest Department of Justice (DOJ) in the country. Daniel R. Depetris, Newsweek, 7 Dec. 2024 The Centurions are scheduled to square off at noon against Union County (12-2). Rich Barak, The Courier-Journal, 7 Dec. 2024 Both are villains of Marvel Comics character Spider-Man and they are set to square off on the big screen in Sony movies released with only a matter of months between them. Caroline Reid, Forbes, 3 Dec. 2024 Human dignity squares off against institutional violence. Katy Waldman, The New Yorker, 21 Nov. 2024 See all Example Sentences for square off 

Word History

First Known Use

1837, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of square off was in 1837

Dictionary Entries Near square off

Cite this Entry

“Square off.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/square%20off. Accessed 16 Dec. 2024.

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!