Confrontation about whip (5)
I believe the answer is:
clash
'confrontation' is the definition.
(I've seen this in another clue)
'about whip' is the wordplay.
'about' becomes 'c' (abbreviation for circa).
'whip' becomes 'lash' (synonyms).
'c'+'lash'='CLASH'
(Other definitions for clash that I've seen before include "Punk group; disagree" , "Forceful disagreement" , "(Of colours) look inappropriate together" , "Collision (of colour)" , "Fail to fit" .)