A harsh, angry, or cross word.

In plural. high (also hard) words: angry words, reproaches. Cf. sense A. 9a.

figurative and in figurative context. A tumultuous rush (of sound, tears, etc.); a vehement utterance (of words); a violent outburst (of censure…

contrasted with bite, esp. in his bark is worse than his bite: his angry words, threats, etc., are worse than the actual performance.

A heated state of the temper approaching anger; the expression or exhibition of this; also, heated language or argument.