internecine

[ in-ter-nee-seen, -sahyn, -nes-een, -nes-ahyn ]

adjective

1. of or relating to conflict or struggle within a group:

   an internecine feud among proxy holders.

2. mutually destructive.
3. characterized by great slaughter; deadly.

internecine

/ ˌɪntəˈniːsaɪn /

adjective

1. mutually destructive or ruinous; maiming both or all sides

   internecine war

2. of or relating to slaughter or carnage; bloody
3. of or involving conflict within a group or organization

Word History and Origins

Origin of internecine¹

1655–65; < Latin internecīnus, internecīvus murderous, equivalent to internec ( āre ) to kill out, exterminate ( inter- inter- + necāre to kill) + -īnus -ine ¹, -īvus -ive

Word History and Origins

Origin of internecine¹

C17: from Latin internecīnus, from internecāre to destroy, from necāre to kill

Example Sentences

For the first time, Cox and Pope both saw that the internecine battle appeared coordinated.

From Salon

Every year in cities across the country, this sort of internecine conflict undoubtedly happens.

From Los Angeles Times

The Libertarian Party’s convention is, as perhaps befits a group devoted to individualism, often a raucous affair, marked by internecine disputes as members stake out their positions.

From New York Times

Battle lines force the group to take a circuitous route, along which they encounter the terrible, often random violence that has taken hold of the country amid the internecine conflict.

From Los Angeles Times

It may yet be put to a vote this month, but is still in danger of being derailed by internecine fighting in the GOP.

From Los Angeles Times