feud

Everyday

1. A long, bitter quarrel between two people, families or groups, often lasting for many generations. tree →
2. (verb) To have such a long quarrel: «The two families feuded for years.» tree →

In the lessons

In stories and history famous feuds include the Hatfields and McCoys in the USA and the Montagues and Capulets in Romeo and Juliet. In ethics lessons feuds show how revenge keeps a quarrel alive, and forgiveness can end it. Phrases: «a family feud», «a bitter feud», «end a feud», «feud with».

Examples

• The two families had a feud that lasted generations. tree →
• Romeo and Juliet's families were in a bitter feud. tree →
• The neighbours feuded over the fence. tree →
• Nobody remembered how the feud started. tree →
• The feud ended when both sides forgave each other. tree →
• The singers had a public feud online. tree →

Note

Countable noun; regular verb. Pronounced «fyood». Similar: quarrel (shorter), vendetta (revenge feud). Often «a feud between X and Y» or «a feud with somebody».