strife

[ strahyf ]

noun

1. vigorous or bitter conflict, discord, or antagonism:

   to be at strife.

   Synonyms: opposition, contrariety, disagreement, difference

   Antonyms: peace

2. a quarrel, struggle, or clash:

   armed strife.

   Synonyms: conflict, fight

   Antonyms: peace

3. competition or rivalry:

   the strife of the marketplace.

4. Archaic. strenuous effort.

strife

/ straɪf /

noun

1. angry or violent struggle; conflict
2. rivalry or contention, esp of a bitter kind
3. trouble or discord of any kind

   to get into strife

4. archaic.
   striving

Other Words From

• strifeful adjective
• strifeless adjective
• under·strife noun

Word History and Origins

Origin of strife¹

First recorded in 1175–1225; Middle English strif, from Old French estrif, akin to estriver; strive

Word History and Origins

Origin of strife¹

C13: from Old French estrif, probably from estriver to strive

Example Sentences

"Concern for reproductive rights does not have the same level of partisan strife that you see with other issues."

From Salon

Through the years of distance, in separate interviews, the sisters talked about how much they loved each other and expressed impatience with a media machine eager to report on their strife.

From Los Angeles Times

The strife was intensified by layoffs last year that included the club’s entire equity team and many staffers of color.

From Los Angeles Times

“In Lebanon, the fear of even a hint of a return to civil war proofs against civil strife,” he said.

From Los Angeles Times

Experts said more hawkish views often come to the forefront at times of regional strife.

From Los Angeles Times

Related Words

• animosity
• bickering
• clash
• conflict
• controversy
• disagreement
• discord
• dispute
• dissension
• disunity
• fighting
• friction
• quarrel
• rivalry
• squabble
• warfare
• wrangle
• wrangling