noun

dissension

dih-SEN-shun/dɪˈsenʃn/

Disagreement within a group.

Dissension divides the committee into opposing groups.

A committee splits into two disagreeing groups around the same table, serious internal disagreement.

Etymology

disLatindifferently

+sensLatinto feel, think

+ionLatinaction or state

To 'think differently' becomes disagreement in opinion. Dissension names the discord that such differences produce, especially when disagreement within a group is strong enough to provoke heated debate.

In context

Storytime Haven240:06

in a fever of excitement and curiosity. Yet I had one satisfaction. I had run him to earth at last. Presently the voices of the men were again raised in dissension.

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More examples

Internal dissension weakened the organization.
She tried to resolve the growing dissension.
The vote exposed deep dissension among the members.

Forms

dissension · dissensions

dissent noun — disagreement with a prevailing view

Similar words

disagreement: Disagreement is broad; dissension suggests a divisive difference within a group.
discord: Discord is a lack of harmony; dissension particularly involves opposing opinions.