dissension
Americannoun
-
strong disagreement; a contention or quarrel; discord.
- Synonyms:
- strife
-
difference in sentiment or opinion; disagreement.
noun
Related Words
See quarrel 1.
Etymology
Origin of dissension
First recorded in 1300–50; Middle English dissenciun, dissensio(u)n, from Anglo-French, from Latin dissēnsiōn- (stem of dissēnsiō ), equivalent to dissēns(us) (past participle of dissentīre; dissent- ( dissent ) + -tus past participle suffix) + -iōn- -ion
Example Sentences
Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.
The hope is clearly to sow dissension within the ranks of his corrupt police and security forces.
From The Wall Street Journal • Oct. 16, 2025
The Raiders have alternated wins and losses, and has some dissension in their ranks.
From Los Angeles Times • Oct. 3, 2024
Still, there is little doubt that this could cause delays and dissension — which is part of the plan.
From Salon • Sep. 20, 2024
There is dissension even among religious conservatives, and worry that the country’s troubles are insurmountable.
From New York Times • Feb. 1, 2024
Eventually dissension and uprisings led to the collapse of the Mayan state.
From "An Indigenous People’s History of the United States" by Roxanne Dunbar-Ortiz
Definitions and idiom definitions from Dictionary.com Unabridged, based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023
Idioms from The American Heritage® Idioms Dictionary copyright © 2002, 2001, 1995 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company.
