dissension

[ dih-sen-shuhn ]

noun

1. strong disagreement; a contention or quarrel; discord.

   Synonyms: strife

2. difference in sentiment or opinion; disagreement.

dissension

/ dɪˈsɛnʃən /

noun

1. disagreement, esp when leading to a quarrel

Word History and Origins

Origin of dissension¹

First recorded in 1300–50; Middle English dissenciun, dissensio(u)n, from Anglo-French, from Latin dissēnsiōn- (stem of dissēnsiō ), equivalent to dissēns(us) (past participle of dissentīre; dissent- ( dissent ) + -tus past participle suffix) + -iōn- -ion

Word History and Origins

Origin of dissension¹

C13: from Latin dissēnsiō, from dissentīre to dissent

Synonym Study

See quarrel ¹.

Example Sentences

The Raiders have alternated wins and losses, and has some dissension in their ranks.

From Los Angeles Times

Still, there is little doubt that this could cause delays and dissension — which is part of the plan.

From Salon

As dissension at home contributes to the humiliating loss of territory in France, the fight over the throne he shakily occupies exponentially intensifies.

From Los Angeles Times

He went on to say that a “small, vocal minority that does not stand for Newcastle shared values is creating dissension for personal and political gain.”

From Seattle Times

That could have been another thread in the show that heightened the drama and revealed more behind-the-scenes dissension that prevented the Clippers from maximizing their potential.

From Los Angeles Times

Related Words

• bickering
• controversy
• disagreement
• discord
• dissent
• disunity
• factionalism
• friction
• fuss
• quarrel
• strife
• wrangle