A more thorough explanation:

An altercation is a loud and intense argument or dispute between two or more people. It can involve shouting, name-calling, and heated exchanges of words.

For example:

• During the meeting, there was an altercation between two colleagues over a project.
• The couple had an altercation in the restaurant, causing a scene.
• The police were called to break up an altercation between two drunk men outside the bar.

These examples illustrate how an altercation can be a verbal confrontation that can be disruptive and uncomfortable for those involved or witnessing it.