Confront
/kənˈfrʌnt/
Definitions
2 meaningsTo face someone or something in a direct and often challenging way.
/kənˈfrʌnt/
To face someone or something in defiance or opposition.
The police confronted the suspect with the evidence.
💡 Simply: Imagine you're having a tough conversation or standing up to a bully. Confront means you're looking the problem or person right in the eye and dealing with it.
👶 For kids: To face something or someone, like when you have to talk to someone about a problem.
More Examples
She decided to confront her fear of heights by going skydiving.
They had to confront their financial problems head-on.
How It's Used
"The protestors confronted the politician outside the building."
"Therapists often encourage patients to confront their fears."
"The CEO decided to confront the employees about the declining sales."
To present a problem or situation to someone for action.
/kənˈfrʌnt/
To present (a problem or situation) to someone for consideration or action.
The project team was confronted with numerous obstacles.
💡 Simply: Imagine you're given a new task or face a difficult situation that needs to be solved. This means the situation is *confronting* you, and you need to deal with it.
👶 For kids: When something new or a problem comes up that you have to figure out.
More Examples
The students were confronted with a challenging exam.
He was confronted with the reality of the situation.
How It's Used
"The sales team was confronted with the task of improving their numbers."
"The company confronted several challenges during the transition."
Idioms & expressions
confront the evidence
To be presented with facts that prove something
"The detective asked the suspect to confront the evidence."
confrontational behavior
Behavior that provokes or challenges others.
"The manager warned against confrontational behavior in meetings."
From Late Latin *confrontare* meaning 'to bring together, to face,' from *con-* (with, together) + *frons, frontis* (forehead, face).
The word 'confront' has been used since the 15th century, initially referring to presenting something face-to-face.
Memory tip
Think of standing *front* to *front* with someone you disagree with.