dissension

/dəˈsɛntʃən/

Other forms: dissensions

You can use the noun dissension for situations where people just can't agree or get along. There is often dissension between labor unions and governments vying for funds, or even between siblings — vying for attention.

A dissension is a disagreement, or difference of opinion, and the meaning hasn't changed since the word first came into use in French in about the 12th century. Sometimes a dissension is simply a brief and easily resolved disagreement, and at other times it might last for thousands of years. People in the Balkans have had centuries of religious dissension, alternating with periods of peaceable coexistence.

Definitions of dissension

1. noun

   disagreement among those expected to cooperate
   synonyms: discord

   types:

   confrontation

   discord resulting from a clash of ideas or opinions

   division, variance

   discord that splits a group

   type of:

   disagreement

   the speech act of disagreeing or arguing or disputing
2. noun

   a conflict of people's opinions, actions, or characters
   synonyms: disagreement, dissonance, misunderstanding

   types:

   disunity

   lack of unity (usually resulting from dissension)

   divide

   a serious disagreement between two groups of people (typically producing tension or hostility)

   type of:

   conflict

   a state of opposition between persons or ideas or interests