1 B2 informal
To compete directly against another person, team, or group in a contest or sporting event.
"The two finalists will face off on Saturday to decide the championship."
inseparable
face off
B2 informal inseparable intransitive
To confront or compete directly against someone or something, often at a decisive or dramatic moment.
In plain English
To be in a competition or fight directly against someone.
What does "face off" mean?
2 meanings, ordered from most common to least. Color-coded by CEFR level.
2 B2 idiomatic informal
To have a direct and tense confrontation with someone, especially in a political or social conflict.
"Protesters faced off with police outside the government building for several hours."
inseparable
Literal vs figurative
Words literally mean
To turn and face each other directly.
Actually means
To be in a competition or fight directly against someone.
Usage tip
Originally from ice hockey, where a 'face-off' is how play begins. Now widely used in sports, politics, and business to describe any direct confrontation. The noun 'face-off' is also very common. Predominantly American English but understood globally.
Words that pair with "face off"
Natural word combinations native speakers use most often.
rival opponent election debate championship adversary
How to conjugate "face off"
The five tense forms you'll use most often.
Base
face off
I/you/we/they
3rd person
faces off
he/she/it
Past simple
faced off
yesterday
Past participle
faced off
have + pp
-ing form
facing off
continuous
Hear "face off" in the wild
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Keep exploring
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