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”

Example Sentences

Maksim, eight, lists everything he has learnt in his patriotic education lessons: about great Russian poets and painters, about friendship and how not to quarrel.

From BBC

Here there was not even a common language and among exhausted, ill-fed people, quarrels erupted constantly.

From Literature

I couldn’t get into another quarrel with her right now.

From Literature

Instead of bold action, English said, European leaders have quarreled over internal divisions and rivalries.

From Los Angeles Times

In 1994, Tori Amos’ U.S. video for her piano anthem “Cornflake Girl” presents a coven of quarreling young women driven through the desert in the back of a pickup truck.

From Salon

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