affray

/ə'frei/

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Explanation of "Affray"

Definition:
The word "affray" is a noun that refers to a noisy fight or a public disturbance that involves a quarrel or conflict between people. It often implies that the fight is disruptive and may draw attention from others.

Usage Instructions:

• "Affray" is typically used in more formal contexts, such as legal discussions or news reports.
• It is not commonly used in everyday conversation, but when you want to describe a serious or loud fight, it can be appropriate.

Example Sentences:

1. The police were called to break up an affray outside the bar last night.
2. The affray between the two rival groups caused quite a scene in the town square.

Advanced Usage:

In legal contexts, "affray" can refer specifically to a type of public disorder or a criminal offense involving fighting in public places.

Word Variants:

• Affrayed (verb): This is the past tense of the verb form "affray," which is rarely used but means to frighten or scare someone.
• Affrayer (noun): A person who participates in or instigates an affray.

Different Meanings:

While "affray" primarily refers to a noisy fight, in some contexts, it can also imply a broader sense of disturbance or chaos caused by people arguing or fighting.

Synonyms:

• Brawl
• Fracas
• Altercation
• Disturbance
• Quarrel

Idioms and Phrasal Verbs:

There are no specific idioms or phrasal verbs directly associated with "affray," but you might encounter phrases like "break up a fight" or "get into a scuffle" that convey similar meanings in informal settings.

Summary:

"Affray" is a formal term used to describe a loud and disruptive fight or quarrel, often seen in public settings.

Academic

Noun

1. a noisy fight
2. noisy quarrel

Synonyms

• disturbance
• fray
• ruffle
• altercation
• fracas