Face off
2 meanings · select one to explore
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Meaning 1 of 3
Definition
To confront or compete directly against someone
Example sentence
The two rival teams will face off in the final on Sunday.
Real video usage
Three clips showing this meaning in natural speech.
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Common collocations
Natural word pairings to memorize.
Common pattern: face off + against / with (opponent) / over (issue)
face off against a rival
face off with the police
face off over a budget
face off in the final
Separable usage
Can the object split the verb? Compare correct vs incorrect.
Two senators faced off over the new budget. ✅ (Correct)
Two senators faced over the new budget off. ❌ (Incorrect — "face off" stays together)