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
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Noun
In their legendary May 2007 feud, O'Donnell and Hasselbeck sparred during a tense debate about American military activity in the Middle East. Mekishana Pierre, Entertainment Weekly, 11 Oct. 2025 The feud between the two SmackDown stars has been building for weeks and recently culminated in a backstage brawl on the most recent episode of the show. Andrew Ravens‎, MSNBC Newsweek, 10 Oct. 2025 The revered text, which follows a devastating family feud and explores profound philosophical and spiritual ideas, has had numerous film and TV adaptations, including an immensely popular one on Indian state broadcasting channel Doordarshan and one by Peter Brook, which was recently restored. Naman Ramachandran, Variety, 10 Oct. 2025 Ironically, though, this comes as rumors of a possible feud between them have been swirling. Lizzie Lanuza, StyleCaster, 10 Oct. 2025 See All Example Sentences for feud

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

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Cite this Entry

“Feud.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/feud. Accessed 12 Oct. 2025.

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

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