discord

American  

[dis-kawrd, dis-kawrd] / ˈdɪs kɔrd, dɪsˈkɔrd /

noun

1. lack of concord or harmony between persons or things.

   marital discord.

   Synonyms:

   contention , argument , antagonism , controversy , struggle , conflict

2. disagreement; difference of opinion.

   Synonyms:

   contention , argument , antagonism , controversy , struggle , conflict

3. strife; dispute; war.

   Synonyms:

   contention , argument , antagonism , controversy , struggle , conflict

4. Music.  an inharmonious combination of musical tones sounded together.

5. any confused or harsh noise; dissonance.

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verb (used without object)

1. to disagree; be at variance.

discord British  

noun

1. lack of agreement of harmony; strife

2. harsh confused mingling of sounds

3. a combination of musical notes containing one or more dissonant intervals See dissonance concord

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verb

1. (intr) to disagree; clash

Other Word Forms

• undiscording adjective

Etymology

Origin of discord

First recorded in 1200–50; Middle English noun descorde, discorde, from Anglo-French, Old French descort, descorde, from Latin discordia, derivative of discord-, stem of discors “discordant,” from dis- dis- ¹ + cord-, stem of cors “heart”

Example Sentences

At times, society feels like a house divided against itself, yet Lincoln reminded us that the resolution to civil strife and discord is “Thanksgiving and Praise” coupled with “humble penitence.”

From The Wall Street Journal

But that approach could prolong the public discord for another seven weeks, with no guarantee the additional data will resolve the underlying disagreements.

From The Wall Street Journal

Lawyers for the seven defendants have seized on the inter-office discord.

From Los Angeles Times

But some members of the family have recently expressed fears that disgruntled royals or displaced religious leaders may try to sow discord.

From The Wall Street Journal

The United States has intensified its campaign to earn support for its resolution, hitting out at "attempts to sow discord" among Council members.

From Barron's

Related Words

• disharmony
• dissonance
• tumult