Contretemps Definition

kŏntrə-täɴ, kôɴtrə-täɴ
noun
An unforeseen event that disrupts the normal course of things; an inopportune occurrence.
American Heritage
An inopportune happening causing confusion or embarrassment; awkward mishap.
Webster's New World
A brief or minor argument or quarrel.
Webster's New World

An unforeseen, inopportune, or embarrassing event; a hitch.

Wiktionary

(fencing) An ill-timed pass.

Wiktionary

Origin of Contretemps

  • French contre- against (from Latin contrā- contra–) temps time (from Latin tempus)

    From American Heritage Dictionary of the English Language, 5th Edition

  • Borrowing from French

    From Wiktionary

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contretemps