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 what was billed as the biggest game in the history of this border feud, Indiana attacked from the first quarter and the Illini failed to respond. Scott Dochterman, New York Times, 21 Sep. 2025 The president also faced criticism over his feud with TV host Jimmy Kimmel after the President praised ABC's canceling of his TV show, sparking protests and drawing national attention. Laura Daniella Sepulveda, AZCentral.com, 20 Sep. 2025 This led to a brief but personal feud between them. Andrew Ravens‎, MSNBC Newsweek, 20 Sep. 2025 Trump, who has had a long running feud with Kimmel, celebrated the late night host being taken off air and even claimed his show has been cancelled. Siladitya Ray, Forbes.com, 19 Sep. 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 23 Sep. 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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