Fracas

A fracas is a noisy, disorderly quarrel, fight, or brawl; a heated and often public dispute or altercation. It implies a sudden eruption of violence, often involving physical struggle, loud shouting, and general disorder. The term suggests a degree of chaos and a lack of control, rather than a planned or organized conflict. It's a situation where tempers flare, and things quickly escalate out of control, leading to a scene of commotion and disorder. The term is frequently used to describe events that are disruptive and cause a public disturbance.

Fracas meaning with examples

• A minor disagreement between the two groups quickly escalated into a fracas, with punches thrown and furniture overturned, leaving several people injured. The police had to intervene to restore order. The scene caused concern and questions about what sparked such a sudden burst of violence.
• The crowded bar erupted into a fracas when a spilled drink led to an argument. People were pushing and shoving as the bartender tried to calm the situation down. Security rushed to separate the combatants, but not before the incident spilled onto the sidewalk.
• News reports described a brief but intense fracas outside the courthouse between protesters and counter-protesters. The authorities were forced to use pepper spray to regain control and to protect the protesters from further violence.
• During the celebratory parade, an unexpected power outage sparked a sudden fracas among the revelers when some people began looting the vendors. The police worked hard to bring the situation under control after the event.
• A heated debate in the town hall meeting devolved into a shouting fracas over proposed changes to the local tax code. The mayor eventually had to call a recess as tempers rose and order was lost amid angry accusations and yelling.