feud

¹

[fyood]

noun

1. Also called blood feud. a bitter, continuous hostility, especially between two families, clans, etc., often lasting for many years or generations.

2. a bitter quarrel or contention.

   a feud between labor and management.

   Synonyms: difference, argument

verb (used without object)

1. to engage in a feud.

feud

²

[fyood]

noun

1. fee.

feud

¹

/ fjuːd /

noun

1. long and bitter hostility between two families, clans, or individuals; vendetta

2. a quarrel or dispute

verb

1. (intr) to take part in or carry on a feud

feud

²

/ fjuːd /

noun

1. feudal law land held in return for service

Word History and Origins

Origin of feud¹

1300–50; variant of fead ( a misread as u ), Middle English fede < Middle French fe ( i ) de < Old High German fēhida; cognate with Old English fǣhth enmity. See foe, -th ¹

Origin of feud²

1605–15; < Medieval Latin feudum, variant of feodum. See fee

Word History and Origins

Origin of feud¹

C13 fede , from Old French feide , from Old High German fēhida ; related to Old English fæhth hostility; see _foe

Origin of feud²

C17: from Medieval Latin feodum , of Germanic origin; see _fee

Example Sentences

It’s also a family feud — minus the bad blood.

From Los Angeles Times

A source told the paper that Thomson and Graham were allies, but the allegations were not necessarily connected to the internal feud and that any claims of inappropriate behaviour should be thoroughly investigated.

From BBC

The order is the latest chapter in an escalating feud between the White House and Illinois state and local officials over violent crime and immigration.

From BBC

It was a sensational evening, not fashioned from classic football, but by the emotions charged by what is now assuming all the contents for a classic, long-running feud.

From BBC

There’s a certain irony in the famously feuding Gallagher brothers selling clothing for the whole family, including Oasis onesies for babies.

From Los Angeles Times

Related Words

• altercation 
• bad blood 
• bickering 
• conflict 
• contest 
• controversy 
• disagreement 
• discord 
• dispute 
• dissension 
• enmity 
• fight 
• fracas 
• hostility 
• quarrel 
• rivalry 
• row 
• run-in 
• squabble 
• strife