feud
UK: fjuːd | US: fjuːd
n. a prolonged and bitter quarrel or dispute, often between families or groups
n. (historical) a state of ongoing hostility, especially in medieval times, involving reciprocal vengeance
vi. to engage in a prolonged conflict or dispute
The word "feud" traces back to the medieval concept of faida (Old High German), referring to a blood feud or vengeance cycle. It entered English via Old French feude, originally tied to feudal obligations but later narrowed to denote hostile conflicts. The shift from "payment" to "conflict" reflects how feudal disputes often arose from broken agreements or unpaid dues, evolving into lasting enmity.
The two families have been locked in a bitter feud for generations.
The feud between the rival gangs escalated into violence.
Historians study medieval feuds to understand social structures.
They feuded over the inheritance for years without resolution.
The political feud dominated headlines throughout the election.