contretemps noun

/ˈkɒn.trə.tɒ/

/ˈkɑːn.trə.tɑː/ n [C] (plural contretemps)

Definition

a small argument or unlucky event, often happening in public and causing social embarrassment

There was a slight contretemps between Richard and some bloke at the bar.

Have you got over your little contretemps with the neighbour yet, or are you still not speaking?

(Definition of contretemps noun from the Cambridge Advanced Learner's Dictionary & Thesaurus © Cambridge University Press)

Synonyms and related words:

If a problem preys on your mind, you think about it and worry about it a lot

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