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
The feud led to multiple shootings and a several homicides. The Enquirer, 8 Mar. 2024 As the family restages its feuds, acting becomes group therapy. Amy Nicholson, Los Angeles Times, 7 Mar. 2024 To mark the moment the European Union’s new Big Tech antitrust law comes into force, Tim Cook’s Apple has decided to test its limits with an extraordinary escalation of its long-running feud with Tim Sweeney’s Epic Games. David Meyer, Fortune, 7 Mar. 2024 The feud is the latest in a series of lawsuits mostly initiated by authors, who are taking advantage of a provision in copyright law that allows authors to reclaim the rights to their works after waiting a period of time, typically 35 years. Winston Cho, The Hollywood Reporter, 27 Feb. 2024 High-ranking officials at the cancer center tried — and failed — to resolve the feud, and documents obtained by STAT shed new light on the deep divisions at the heart of this case. Angus Chen, STAT, 26 Feb. 2024 In addition to Paul and Owens’ feud, the fact that Paul cost Orton the Chamber match could lead to a Triple Threat match for the United States Championship. Alfred Konuwa, Forbes, 24 Feb. 2024 The two have been involved in a years-long feud punctuated by brief, awkward interactions. Hanif Abdurraqib, The New Yorker, 24 Feb. 2024 What began as a legendary feud over backup dancers around 2012 has morphed into a beautiful friendship. Emily Tannenbaum, Glamour, 23 Feb. 2024

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 18 Mar. 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
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