definition of affray

Affray refers to a public fight, quarrel, or disturbance that causes alarm or threatens violence. In legal terms, it means fighting in a public place that causes fear and distress to others. Simply put, affray is a physical confrontation between two or more people in a public area like a street, park, or bar. During an affray, the people involved behave in a disorderly, threatening, or violent manner that disrupts public peace.