feud
Feud (noun) means a long-running, bitter conflict between two people, families, or groups. Example: “The two neighboring families had been locked in a feud for generations.”
How to use feud
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishA long, bitter dispute between people or groups that keeps flaring up.
Word forms
feuded past tense, feuds plural, feuds plural, feuds singular
Fill the gap
Can you complete this real example?
The two neighboring families had been locked in a _____ for generations.
Etymology
From Old French faide, ultimately from a Germanic root meaning "hatred, enmity" — related to the word foe.
Related words
Rhymes for feud
See all rhymes for feud →Frequently asked questions
What does “feud” mean?
The word “feud” means a long-running, bitter conflict between two people, families, or groups. In plain terms, a long, bitter dispute between people or groups that keeps flaring up.
How do you pronounce “feud”?
“Feud” is pronounced fyood (/fjuːd/ in IPA).
How do you use “feud” in a sentence?
Here is “feud” used in a sentence: “The two neighboring families had been locked in a feud for generations.”
What part of speech is “feud”?
Depending on how it is used, “feud” can be a noun and a verb.
Where does the word “feud” come from?
The word “feud” comes from Old French. From Old French faide, ultimately from a Germanic root meaning "hatred, enmity" — related to the word foe.
Is “feud” a common word?
“Feud” is an uncommon word in modern English.
How many meanings does “feud” have?
“Feud” has 2 distinct senses listed in this dictionary. The most common is: a long-running, bitter conflict between two people, families, or groups.
What is the difference between a feud and an argument?
An argument is typically a single dispute or disagreement that can be resolved relatively quickly, while a feud is a long-running, bitter conflict that persists over time, often between families, groups, or individuals. A feud implies ongoing hostility rather than a one-off exchange.
Can feud be used as both a noun and a verb?
Yes. As a noun, a feud is a long-running, bitter conflict, as in "a family feud." As a verb, to feud means to carry on that long-running hostile dispute, as in "the two families have feuded for years."
What are common collocations with feud?
Feud is often used with words like family, ongoing, bitter, and long-running, as in "a bitter family feud" or "an ongoing feud between neighbors." These collocations emphasize the sustained, personal nature of the conflict.