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feud

/fjud/
/fjud/
IPA guide

Other forms: feuds; feuding; feuded

A feud is a long-standing fight, often between two families. In Romeo and Juliet, Shakespeare describes the lovers' long-feuding families, the Capulets and the Montagues.

Feuds do not have to be violent—what characterizes them is long-standing hostility. Ethnic groups can sometimes be said to be feuding. Kids in school who refuse to sit at the same lunch table over a period of years could describe their relationship as a feud.

Definitions of feud
  1. noun
    a bitter quarrel between two parties
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    types:
    blood feud, vendetta
    a feud in which members of the opposing parties murder each other
    type of:
    battle, conflict, struggle
    an open clash between two opposing groups (or individuals)
  2. verb
    carry out a feud
    “The two professors have been feuding for years”
    see moresee less
    type of:
    contend, fight, struggle
    be engaged in a fight; carry on a fight
Pronunciation
US
/fjud/
UK
/fjud/
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DISCLAIMER: These example sentences appear in various news sources and books to reflect the usage of the word ‘feud'. Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Vocabulary.com or its editors. Send us feedback
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