face-off

[feys-awf, -of]

noun

Ice Hockey.

1. the act of facing the puck, as at the start of a game or period.

2. an open confrontation.

face-off

noun

1. ice hockey the method of starting a game, in which the referee drops the puck, etc between two opposing players

2. a confrontation

verb

1. to start play by (a face-off)

Word History and Origins

Origin of face-off¹

First recorded in 1895–1900; noun use of verb phrase face off

Example Sentences

After a tense face-off the pair turned to the crowd but Usyk walked forward and flexed his muscles to block his rival from view before Dubois followed him.

From BBC

On Saturday, it devolved into chaos when one kid challenged their dad to a face-off.

From BBC

Crawford entered the ring post-fight and two of the sport's biggest names posed for a face-off.

From BBC

Situated at the nexus of the face-off between the executive and judicial branches is a little-scrutinized arm of the federal government: the U.S.

From Los Angeles Times

They even shared a cordial handshake in one face-off interview.

From BBC