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Definition of strife

strife

/stɹaɪf/
strife
Plural:strifes
•
Adjective:strifeful
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strife Lexical Profile

strife Game Scores & Validity

• noun

1

Angry or bitter disagreement over fundamental issues; conflict, discord, or struggle between opposing individuals or groups.

Example

"Years of political strife eventually led the two factions to negotiate a formal peace treaty."

2

Australian Trouble, difficulty, or an awkward situation (used INFORMALLY, especially in the phrase 'in strife').

Example

"The local business found itself in serious financial strife after losing its primary supplier."

Synonyms
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Antonyms
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• Rhymes for strife

• Nearby Words

strident
stridently
strider
strife
strike
strikebreaker
strikebreaking

Word Origin & Etymology

Borrowed in Middle English from Anglo-Norman and Old French 'estrif' ('quarrel, conflict, contention'), which itself is of Germanic origin and closely related to the verb 'strive'.

Cite this Entry

Wordmom. (2026). Definition of Strife. In Wordmom Dictionary. Retrieved Nov 5, 2026, from https://wordmom.com/dictionary/strife
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