rhizoverbBeta
DictionaryfeudBitter quarrel
noun / verb

feud

FYOOD/fjuːd/

A prolonged bitter quarrel between people or groups.

The feud between the two families divides the entire neighborhood.

Two neighboring adults glare over a low boundary fence with arms crossed, longstanding bitter quarrel suggested by repeated repaired fence panels, no weapons or words.
Etymology
feudMiddle Englishenmity, hatred, hostility

Middle English fede meant hostility or hatred generally. Its later senses of vendetta and hostility between families or clans connect that broad feeling to a sustained, bitter quarrel.

In context

Classified Diaries46:37
the confrontation on April 4th was the final explosion of a feud that had been building for years
Most Dangerous Landlord-Tenant Disputes That Escalated Into Murder

More examples

  • The brothers feud over control of the family business.
  • Their bitter feud finally ended after twenty years.
  • The feuding neighbors refuse to speak to each other.

Forms

feud · feuds · feuded · feuding

Similar words

quarrel
May describe a single argument rather than prolonged hostility.
vendetta
Emphasizes revenge, often through repeated acts of retaliation.
dispute
Focuses on a disagreement without necessarily implying bitterness or duration.