showdown

A showdown is an event where two or more people face each other, usually in a direct and confrontational way, often with a strong sense of tension.

When we talk about a showdown, we're usually thinking about something dramatic happening between two or more people. It might be a physical confrontation, like a fistfight, but it can also be a verbal argument where someone stands up to another person who's being unfair or aggressive. Think of a showdown as the final test, where all the tension and emotions come out in the open. You might see this happen on TV or in movies, where heroes stand face-to-face with villains in an intense scene.

In addition to referring to a direct confrontation, the word "showdown" can also be used more broadly to describe any event that's decisive and critical. For example, a business showdown could be a meeting where a company decides its future direction, or a sports showdown might be a crucial game that determines who wins the championship.