face-off

Noun

face-off (plural face-offs)

1. A confrontation or argument between two people or groups.
   • It's unclear which side will win the latest face-off between the President and Congress.
   • Huntsman starts out with a vision of Theron that’s specific, unique, and weighted in character, but it trends throughout toward generic fantasy tropes and black-and-white morality, and climaxes in a thoroughly familiar face-off.2012 May 31, Tasha Robinson, “Film: Review: Snow White And The Huntsman”, in A.V. Club, archived from the original on 30 Mar 2013
2. The start of play, when two players try to get control of the puck dropped by the referee.
   • Canada’s men’s hockey team defeated the USA 3-2 in overtime Thursday to capture the inaugural 4 Nations Face-Off Championship as the NHL put on a show in the first edition of this midseason international tournament.2025 February 20, Homero De la Fuente, “Canada beats Team USA in overtime thriller to win hockey’s first-ever 4 Nations Face-off championship”, in CNN
3. (field lacrosse) The start of play, when two players attempt to get possession of a ball placed on the ground between them by the referee.