strife

strife

noun \ˈstrīf\

Definition of STRIFE

1

a : bitter sometimes violent conflict or dissension <political strife>

b : an act of contention : fight, struggle

2

: exertion or contention for superiority

3

archaic : earnest endeavor

— strife·less \ˈstrī-fləs\ adjective

Examples of STRIFE

1. <in order to avoid family strife, the children spend equal time during the holidays with both of their grandmothers>
2. <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

Rhymes with STRIFE

fife, Fife, knife, life, rife, wife