quarrel

¹ American  

[kwawr-uhl, kwor-] / ˈkwɔr əl, ˈkwɒr- /

noun

1. an angry dispute or altercation; a disagreement marked by a temporary or permanent break in friendly relations.

   Synonyms:

   fight, difference, controversy, contention, argument

2. a cause of dispute, complaint, or hostile feeling.

   She has no quarrel with her present salary.

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verb (used without object)

quarreled, quarreling, quarrelled, quarrelling

1. to disagree angrily; squabble; wrangle.

   Synonyms:

   fight, brawl, argue, bicker

2. to end a friendship as a result of a disagreement.

3. to make a complaint; find fault.

quarrel ² American  

[kwawr-uhl, kwor-] / ˈkwɔr əl, ˈkwɒr- /

noun

1. a square-headed bolt or arrow, formerly used with a crossbow.

2. Also a small, square or diamond-shaped pane of glass, as used in latticed windows.

3. any of various tools with pyramidal heads.

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quarrel ¹ British  

/ ˈkwɒrəl /

noun

1. an angry disagreement; argument

2. a cause of disagreement or dispute; grievance

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verb

1. to engage in a disagreement or dispute; argue

2. to find fault; complain

quarrel ² British  

/ ˈkwɒrəl /

noun

1. an arrow having a four-edged head, fired from a crossbow

2. a small square or diamond-shaped pane of glass, usually one of many in a fixed or casement window and framed with lead

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quarrel Idioms  

1. see pick a quarrel.

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Related Words

Quarrel, dissension refer to disagreement and conflict. Quarrel applies chiefly to a verbal disagreement between individuals or groups and is used with reference to a large variety of situations, from a slight and petty difference of opinion to a violent altercation: It was little more than a domestic quarrel. Their quarrel led to the barroom brawl. Dissension usually implies a profound disagreement and bitter conflict. It also applies chiefly to conflict within a group or to members of the same group: dissension within the union; dissension among the Democrats.

Other Word Forms

• quarreler noun
• quarrelingly adverb
• quarreller noun
• unquarreling adjective
• unquarrelling adjective

Etymology

Origin of quarrel¹

First recorded in 1300–50; Middle English querele, from Old French, from Latin querēla, querella “complaint,” noun derivative of querī “to complain”

Origin of quarrel²

First recorded in 1175–1225; Middle English quarel, from Old French, from Medieval Latin quadrellus, diminutive of Latin quadrus “square”

Related Words

• altercation
• argument
• bickering
• brawl
• controversy
• difference
• difference of opinion
• discord
• dispute
• dissension
• disturbance
• falling-out
• feud
• fracas
• misunderstanding
• row
• ruckus
• run-in
• spat
• squabble