confront

verb

con·​front kən-ˈfrənt 

confronted; confronting; confronts

transitive verb

1

: to face especially in challenge : oppose

confront an enemy

The mayor was confronted by a group of protesters.

2

a

: to cause to meet : bring face-to-face

confront a reader with statistics

confronted her with the evidence

b

: to meet face-to-face : encounter

confronted the possibility of failure

confrontal

kən-ˈfrən-tᵊl 

noun

confronter noun

Synonyms

• beard
• brave
• brazen
• breast
• dare
• defy
• face
• outbrave
• outface

Examples of confront in a Sentence

They confronted the invaders at the shore.

She confronted him about his smoking.

The country is reluctant to confront its violent past.

The photographs confront the viewer with images of desperate poverty.

I confronted her with the evidence.

Recent Examples on the Web

In calling attention to the destructive impact of prejudice on the present moment, Angelou challenges us to confront our biases, dismantle oppressive systems, and strive for a world where all are treated with dignity and respect. —Shelby Stewart, Essence, 4 Apr. 2024

Watching your dream play out before your eyes in waking life is like inhabiting an alternate reality: hair-raising, confronting, wrecking. —Amy Raasch, Los Angeles Times, 3 Apr. 2024

Sweet and kind doesn’t mix in people’s heads with fierce and ferocious and powerful, and just that juxtaposition is very confronting for people. —Brian Davids, The Hollywood Reporter, 3 Apr. 2024

Even post-sale, real estate agents and brokers are crucial advisors for their clients, providing ongoing support, answering queries, and offering guidance as people confront the challenges and delights of homeownership. —Tim Hur, Fortune, 3 Apr. 2024

In its report, the agency said there are other troubling practices including the deportation of pregnant women and children from the Dominican Republic, and the existing barriers confronting those seeking international protection, including at the border with Haiti. —Jacqueline Charles, Miami Herald, 3 Apr. 2024

At the climax of Cukor’s film, Paula confronts her husband with the truth of his manipulations. —Leslie Jamison, The New Yorker, 1 Apr. 2024

But hours later, authorities said Harris drove a large group of people to an apartment complex to confront Harley. —Nicole Acosta, Peoplemag, 1 Apr. 2024

Armed attackers confront 90-year-old grandmother Esther Cunio, demanding to know where her family is. —Greg Cote, Miami Herald, 24 Mar. 2024

Word History

Etymology

Middle French confronter to border on, confront, from Medieval Latin confrontare to bound, from Latin com- + front-, frons forehead, front

First Known Use

circa 1568, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Kids Definition

confront

verb

con·​front kən-ˈfrənt 

1

: to face especially in challenge : oppose

confront an enemy

2

: to bring face-to-face : cause to meet

confronted with difficulties

confrontation

ˌkän-(ˌ)frən-ˈtā-shən

noun

Legal Definition

confront

transitive verb

con·​front kən-ˈfrənt 

: to face or bring face-to-face for the purpose of challenging especially through cross-examination

the accused shall enjoy the right…to be confronted with the witnesses against him

—U.S. Constitution amend. VI

confrontation

ˌkän-frən-ˈtā-shən 

noun