confront

To confront something or someone means to face it directly and deal with it in a straightforward way.

When we think of confronting a problem, person, or situation, we often imagine a strong and brave reaction. But the truth is, confrontation can be everyday and ordinary too. For instance, if you're feeling nervous about asking your boss for a raise, you might need to confront that anxiety by talking to your boss calmly and explaining why you deserve more pay. Or, if a friend is being unfair or hurtful, you might need to confront them about their behavior so you can clear the air and move forward. Confronting doesn't always mean fighting or arguing; sometimes it just means having an honest conversation and facing what's been going on between you and someone else or something else.