/shoh"down'/ , n.
1. the laying down of one's cards, face upward, in a card game, esp. poker.
2. a conclusive settlement of an issue, difference, etc., in which all resources, power, or the like, are used; decisive confrontation: An international showdown was inevitable.
[ 1880-85, Amer.; SHOW + DOWN 1 ]
Syn. 2. crisis, climax, encounter, clash.