feud

1 of 2

noun (1)

: a mutual enmity or quarrel that is often prolonged or inveterate (see inveterate sense 2)
especially : blood feud
Because of a family feud, they did not see each other for a decade.
feud intransitive verb

feud

2 of 2

noun (2)

Examples of feud in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web
Noun
Continue reading … ‘GOD TOLD ME TO’ – Kathie Lee Gifford and Howard Stern's 30-year feud ended by divine intervention. Fox News, 28 May 2024 The two tribes had been locked in a deadly feud that stretched back decades, long before the Taliban came to power. Matthieu Aikins Bryan Denton, New York Times, 22 May 2024 See all Example Sentences for feud 

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'feud.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

Word History

Etymology

Noun (1)

alteration of Middle English feide, from Anglo-French *faide, of Germanic origin; akin to Old High German fēhida hostility, feud, Old English fāh hostile — more at foe

Noun (2)

Medieval Latin feodum, feudum, alteration (probably influenced by Medieval Latin alodum, allodium land not subject to rent or service) of feo, feus, of Germanic origin; akin to Old High German fihu cattle — more at fee

First Known Use

Noun (1)

15th century, in the meaning defined above

Noun (2)

1614, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of feud was in the 15th century

Dictionary Entries Near feud

Cite this Entry

“Feud.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/feud. Accessed 5 Jun. 2024.

Kids Definition

feud

noun
ˈfyüd
: a long lasting quarrel
especially : a lasting conflict between families or clans usually having acts of violence and revenge
feud verb
Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!