strife
strife
noun \ˈstrīf\Definition of STRIFE
1
2
: exertion or contention for superiority
3
archaic : earnest endeavor
— strife·less \ˈstrī-fləs\ adjective
Examples of STRIFE
- <in order to avoid family strife, the children spend equal time during the holidays with both of their grandmothers>
- <bitter strife between the two political factions>
Origin of STRIFE
Middle English strif, from Anglo-French estrif, estri, of Germanic origin; akin to Middle Dutch striden to fight, Old High German strītan to quarrel — more at stride
First Known Use: 13th century
Related to STRIFE
Synonyms: conflict, disaccord, discordance, discordancy, disharmony, dissension (also dissention), dissent, dissidence, dissonance, disunion, disunity, division, friction, infighting, inharmony, schism, discord, variance, war, warfare
Related Words: clash, collision, competition, contention; altercation, argument, bicker, brawl, debate, disagreement, dispute, divide, fissure; falling-out, fight, hassle, jar, miff, mix-up, quarrel, row, run-in, scrap, spat, squabble, tiff, wrangle; incompatibility, incongruence, incongruity, incongruousness, inconsistence, inconsistency, inconsonance, inharmoniousness; animosity, antagonism, antipathy, cold war, enmity, hostility, ill will, rancor
Near Antonyms: concurrence, cooperation
See Synonym Discussion at discord
Learn More About STRIFE
Browse
Seen & Heard 
What made you want to look up strife? Please tell us where you read or heard it (including the quote, if possible).

See







