dissension

[dih-sen-shuhn]

noun

1. strong disagreement; a contention or quarrel; discord.

   Synonyms: strife

2. difference in sentiment or opinion; disagreement.

dissension

/ dɪˈsɛnʃən /

noun

1. disagreement, esp when leading to a quarrel

Word History and Origins

Origin of dissension¹

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

Word History and Origins

Origin of dissension¹

C13: from Latin dissēnsiō, from dissentīre to dissent

Synonym Study

See quarrel ¹.

Example Sentences

Russia and Iran have both been named by French intelligence as countries liable to provoke dissension in France through "dirty tricks".

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Martial law is in effect, city streets are filled with dissension in favor of AI and the Entity is quickly gaining control of the world’s nuclear arsenal.

Read more on Salon

The band, beset by drug addiction, power struggles and dissension, decided to break up at the height of its popularity.

Read more on Los Angeles Times

Bass has also battled extraordinary dissension in her own ranks, with Los Angeles Fire Chief Kristin Crowley in interviews Friday characterizing the department as understaffed and underfunded and implying that Bass had failed her.

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The two chambers of Congress are already butting heads and there is dissension brewing within each of them.

Read more on Salon

Related Words

• bickering 
• controversy 
• disagreement 
• discord 
• dissent 
• disunity 
• factionalism 
• friction 
• fuss 
• quarrel 
• strife 
• wrangle