discord

[ noun dis-kawrd; verb dis-kawrd ]

noun

1. lack of concord or harmony between persons or things:

   marital discord.

   Synonyms: contention, argument, antagonism, controversy, struggle, conflict

2. disagreement; difference of opinion.

   Synonyms: contention, argument, antagonism, controversy, struggle, conflict

3. strife; dispute; war.

   Synonyms: contention, argument, antagonism, controversy, struggle, conflict

4. Music. an inharmonious combination of musical tones sounded together.
5. any confused or harsh noise; dissonance.

verb (used without object)

1. to disagree; be at variance.

discord

noun

1. lack of agreement of harmony; strife
2. harsh confused mingling of sounds
3. a combination of musical notes containing one or more dissonant intervals See dissonance concord

verb

1. intr to disagree; clash

Other Words From

• undis·cording adjective

Word History and Origins

Origin of discord¹

First recorded in 1200–50; Middle English noun descorde, discorde, from Anglo-French, Old French descort, descorde, from Latin discordia, derivative of discord-, stem of discors “discordant,” from dis- dis- ¹ + cord-, stem of cors “heart”

Word History and Origins

Origin of discord¹

C13: from Old French descort, from descorder to disagree, from Latin discordāre, from discors at variance, from dis- ¹+ cor heart

Example Sentences

Eventually the discord in the kitchen spills out into the dining room and that is when everyone knows things have gone too far.

From Los Angeles Times

Beyond discord over Washington’s policies in places like the Middle East, the notion of a U.S.-dominated world order is being sharply challenged in various international forums.

From Los Angeles Times

"The old notes of downfall, discord, despair no longer resonate."

From Salon

His simple but effective messaging forecasts a return to normalcy, a promise of safety and restored order in a D.A.’s office many consider to be in discord.

From Los Angeles Times

Feminism, gay rights and the Vietnam War fueled additional discord, with more traditionalist congregants opposing the ordination of female priests and reacting furiously to mainline Protestant leaders who advocated from the pulpit.

From Salon

Related Words

• disharmony
• dissonance
• tumult