ˌkɒnfɹənˈteɪʃən ɪnˈkaʊntɚ ɪnˈkaʊntə ˈfeɪsˌɑf ɒpəˈzɪʃən ɑpəˈzɪʃn̩ a focussed comparison; bringing together for a careful comparison the act of hostile groups opposing each other the government was not ready for a confrontation with the unions the invaders encountered stiff opposition a hostile disagreement face-to-face discord resulting from a clash of ideas or opinions a bold challenge