feud

[fjuːd]

feud Definition

a prolonged and bitter quarrel or dispute between two or more people, families, or groups.

Using feud: Examples

Take a moment to familiarize yourself with how "feud" can be used in various situations through the following examples!

• Example

  The feud between the two families lasted for generations.

• Example

  The company is in a feud with its former CEO over intellectual property rights.

• Example

  The political feud between the two leaders has escalated into violence.

• Example

  The feud between the neighbors started over a boundary dispute.

feud Synonyms and Antonyms

Synonyms for feud

• dispute
• quarrel
• argument
• fight
• rift

Antonyms for feud

• reconciliation
• harmony

Idioms Using feud

• bury the hatchet

  to make peace with someone and end a quarrel or feud

  Example

  After years of feuding, the two families finally decided to bury the hatchet and reconcile.

• call off the dogs

  to stop attacking or pursuing someone, especially in a hostile or aggressive manner

  Example

  The company's lawyers called off the dogs after reaching a settlement with their former employee.

• keep the peace

  to maintain a state of calm and avoid conflict or violence

  Example

  The police were called in to keep the peace during the protest march.

Phrases with feud

• blood feud

  a long-standing feud between two families or clans, often involving acts of revenge and retaliation

  Example

  The blood feud between the Hatfields and McCoys is one of the most famous in American history.

• feudal system

  a social and economic system in medieval Europe in which lords granted land to vassals in exchange for military service and loyalty

  Example

  Under the feudal system, the king granted land to his nobles in return for their support in times of war.

• feudal lord

  a noble who held land from a monarch in return for military service and loyalty

  Example

  The feudal lord was responsible for maintaining law and order on his lands.

Origins of feud

from Old Norse 'fjǫrðr', meaning 'fjord' or 'inlet', referring to a narrow waterway that was often a site of conflict

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Summary: feud in Brief

A 'feud' [fjuːd] is a long-lasting and bitter dispute between two or more people, families, or groups. It can be caused by various reasons such as boundary disputes, intellectual property rights, or political differences. The term 'feud' extends into phrases like 'blood feud,' and idioms like 'bury the hatchet,' denoting reconciliation, and 'call off the dogs,' implying stopping an attack.