# face-off

> English word · Noun · IPA /ˈfeɪsˌɑf/

## Definitions
1. A confrontation or argument between two people or groups.
2. The start of play, when two players try to get control of the puck dropped by the referee.
3. The start of play, when two players attempt to get possession of a ball placed on the ground between them by the referee.

## Etymology
From face + off, or a deverbal from face off, c. 1889.

## Source
Compiled from Wiktionary via kaikki.org (CC BY-SA). Data vintage: 2026-05-06.
Canonical page: https://plainspell.com/en/word/face-off