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
Last week, King Charles and Prince Harry’s senior aides held a secret meeting, according to The Mail on Sunday, which was believed to be the first big step towards resolving the feud between them. Lissete Lanuza Sáenz, StyleCaster, 15 July 2025 That declaration then provoked a lighthearted feud between the French President and Rome mayor Roberto Gualtieri. Nick Vivarelli, Variety, 14 July 2025 The impact of the Epstein situation and the feud between Trump and Musk, especially on the upcoming midterm elections, is yet to be seen. Jordan King, MSNBC Newsweek, 13 July 2025 President Donald Trump has escalated his long-running feud with Rosie O'Donnell. Ashley Hume, FOXNews.com, 13 July 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 22 Jul. 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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