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face-off

noun
\ ˈfās-ˌȯf How to pronounce face-off (audio) \

Definition of face-off

 (Entry 1 of 2)

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

verb
faced off; facing off; faces off

Definition of face off (Entry 2 of 2)

intransitive verb

: to be in or come into opposition or competition politicians facing off against each other in a televised debate
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Examples of face-off in a Sentence

Verb

 eager to face off with her longtime tennis rival

First Known Use of face-off

Noun

1889, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Verb

1948, in the meaning defined above

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Statistics for face-off

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Time Traveler for face-off

The first known use of face-off was in 1889

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More Definitions for face-off

face-off

noun
How to pronounce face off (audio)

English Language Learners Definition of face-off

ice hockey : a method of beginning play by dropping the puck between two players
chiefly US : a meeting of opponents : a conflict or fight

face-off

noun
\ ˈfās-ˌȯf\

Kids Definition of face-off

1 : a method of beginning play (as in hockey or lacrosse) in which the puck or ball is dropped between two opposing players
2 : a clashing of forces or ideas a face-off between enemies

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More from Merriam-Webster on face-off

Rhyming Dictionary: Words that rhyme with face-off

Thesaurus: All synonyms and antonyms for face-off

Spanish Central: Translation of face-off

Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about face-off

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