I often see or hear this noun misused.

Problem:
Many do not know that “altercation” has a very specific meaning.

Explanation:
The noun “altercation” means an angry, oral dispute.

Unfortunately, many will use “altercation” when referring to physical disputes.

This is a misuse of the noun.

I suppose that those who use “altercation” to refer to physical arguments want to seem more educated.

Unfortunately, this misuse reveals their ignorance about the noun’s meaning.

Solution:
Use “altercation” when referring to an oral dispute; do not use “altercation” when referring to anything physical.