noun. An unforeseen event that disrupts the normal course of things; an inopportune occurrence.

noun. An argument or dispute.

noun. An unexpected and untoward event; an embarrassing conjuncture; a “hitch.”

noun. In music, same as syncopation.

noun. An unexpected and untoward accident; something inopportune or embarrassing; a hitch.

noun. An unforeseen, inopportune, or embarrassing event; a hitch

noun. An ill-timed pass.

noun. an awkward clash

"The practical political effect of the Clinton contretemps is simple: Meek, already struggling badly for any traction in the race (polling suggests that his support runs in the high teens) looks hapless and hopeless at a time when voters want the exact opposite."

brush  clash  encounter  skirmish  

backflip  celandine  derailments  gaffe  laches  

hitch  misfortune  mishap