affray
Intermediate (B1)
IPA: /əˈfreɪ/
KK: /əˈfreɪ/
noun
Definition
A loud and violent fight or argument that happens in a public area, causing a disturbance.
Example
The police were called to break up the affray in the town square.
Conversation
Did you hear about that affray downtown last night?
Yeah, I saw it on the news. It looked really intense.
I can't believe people would fight like that in public.
I know, right? It's so disruptive and unnecessary.
Synonyms & Antonyms
Synonyms
brawl
fracas
scuffle
Antonyms
peace
harmony
calm
transitive verb
Definition
To cause someone to feel fear or alarm.
Example
The sudden noise seemed to affray the children playing outside.
Tense Forms
Past: affrayed
Past Participle: affrayed
Conversation
I heard that old mansion is said to affray anyone who goes near it.
Really? That sounds spooky!
Yeah, I wouldn't want to be affrayed by a ghost or something crazy like that.
Root Explanation
Affray originates from Old French 'afraier' (meaning to frighten or to scare), which itself comes from the Latin 'frāctus' (meaning broken). The word describes a situation that causes fear or disturbance, particularly in a public setting.
Memory Tip
Imagine a scene where a disturbance or fight causes people to feel frightened — that's what 'affray' means, stemming from the idea of being scared.
Visually Confused Words
fray
affy
affa