confrontation in WordNet English dictionary

1. the act of hostile groups opposing each other
   "the government was not ready for a confrontation with the unions"; "the invaders encountered stiff opposition"
   confrontation  opposition 
   
2. a focussed comparison; bringing together for a careful comparison
   confrontation 
   
3. a hostile disagreement face-to-face
   confrontation  encounter  showdown  face-off 
   
4. a bold challenge
   confrontation 
   
5. discord resulting from a clash of ideas or opinions
   confrontation