discord

[dis-kawrd, dis-kawrd]

noun

1. lack of concord or harmony between persons or things.

   marital discord.

   Synonyms: contention, argument, antagonism, controversy, struggle, conflict

2. disagreement; difference of opinion.

   Synonyms: contention, argument, antagonism, controversy, struggle, conflict

3. strife; dispute; war.

   Synonyms: contention, argument, antagonism, controversy, struggle, conflict

4. Music.,  an inharmonious combination of musical tones sounded together.

5. any confused or harsh noise; dissonance.

verb (used without object)

1. to disagree; be at variance.

discord

noun

1. lack of agreement of harmony; strife

2. harsh confused mingling of sounds

3. a combination of musical notes containing one or more dissonant intervals See dissonance concord

verb

1. (intr) to disagree; clash

Other Word Forms

• undiscording adjective

Word History and Origins

Origin of discord¹

First recorded in 1200–50; Middle English noun descorde, discorde, from Anglo-French, Old French descort, descorde, from Latin discordia, derivative of discord-, stem of discors “discordant,” from dis- dis- ¹ + cord-, stem of cors “heart”

Word History and Origins

Origin of discord¹

C13: from Old French descort, from descorder to disagree, from Latin discordāre, from discors at variance, from _dis- ¹ + cor heart

Example Sentences

His tenure has sparked discord in the office, with dozens of prosecutors quitting in the face of his belligerent, scream-first management style.

From Los Angeles Times

But in the court, no amount of expert-like confidence could undo the prosecution's case - a spouse murdered and a motive rooted in suspicion and marital discord.

From BBC

While some praised it for its message, others criticised it for sowing anxiety and discord with China.

From BBC

The couple’s physical magnetism is at odds with their growing unhappiness, and in this discord, Shanks strikes imaginative new ways to portray how difficult it is to let someone go.

From Salon

"The Israeli entity, which has consistently targeted our stability and sown discord since the fall of the former regime, now seeks once again to turn our sacred land into a theatre of endless chaos."

From BBC

Related Words

• disharmony 
• dissonance 
• tumult