quarrel
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1quar·rel

noun \ˈkwr(-ə)l, ˈkwär(-ə)l\

Definition of QUARREL

: a square-headed bolt or arrow especially for a crossbow

Origin of QUARREL

Middle English, from Anglo-French, square block of stone, bolt, from Vulgar Latin *quadrellum, diminutive of Latin quadrum square — more at quadrate
First Known Use: 13th century

2quarrel

noun

Definition of QUARREL

1
: a ground of dispute or complaint <have no quarrel with a different approach>
2
: a usually verbal conflict between antagonists : altercation

Origin of QUARREL

Middle English querele, from Anglo-French, from Latin querela grievance, complaint, from queri to complain
First Known Use: 14th century

Synonym Discussion of QUARREL

quarrel, wrangle, altercation, squabble mean a noisy dispute usually marked by anger. quarrel implies heated verbal contention, stressing strained or severed relations which may persist beyond the contention <a quarrel nearly destroyed the relationship>. wrangle suggests undignified and often futile disputation with a noisy insistence on differing opinions <wrangle interminably about small issues>. altercation implies fighting with words as the chief weapon, although it may also connote blows <a loud public altercation>. squabble stresses childish and unseemly dispute over petty matters, but it need not imply bitterness or anger <a brief squabble over what to do next>.

Rhymes with QUARREL

3quarrel

intransitive verb
quarreled or quarrelledquarrel·ing or quarrel·ling

Definition of QUARREL

1
: to find fault <many people quarrel with the idea — Johns Hopkins Magazine>
2
: to contend or dispute actively <quarreled frequently with his superiors — London Calling>
quar·rel·er or quar·rel·ler noun

Examples of QUARREL

  1. The children quarrel all the time.
  2. She and her husband are always quarreling about money.
  3. I don't want to quarrel with you.

First Known Use of QUARREL

14th century

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