face-off

noun

Etymology: From face + off, or a deverbal from face off, c. 1889.

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.”

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.”

3. The start of play, when two players attempt to get possession of a ball placed on the ground between them by the referee.