quarrel
1[ kwawr-uhl, kwor- ]
/ ˈkwɔr əl, ˈkwɒr- /
noun
an angry dispute or altercation; a disagreement marked by a temporary or permanent break in friendly relations.
a cause of dispute, complaint, or hostile feeling: She has no quarrel with her present salary.
verb (used without object), quar·reled, quar·rel·ing or (especially British) quar·relled, quar·rel·ling.
to disagree angrily; squabble; wrangle.
to end a friendship as a result of a disagreement.
to make a complaint; find fault.
Nearby words
quarkonium, quarks, quarles, quarles, francis, quarnero, quarrel, quarrelsome, quarrelsomely, quarrian, quarrier, quarry
Origin of quarrel
11300–50; Middle English querele < Old French < Latin querēla, querella a complaint, derivative of querī to complain
SYNONYMS FOR quarrel
1 argument, contention, controversy, difference, fight. 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.
3 bicker, argue, brawl, fight.
Related forms
quar·rel·er, nounquar·rel·ing·ly, adverbun·quar·rel·ing, adjectiveun·quar·rel·ling, adjectiveDefinition for quarrel (2 of 2)
quarrel
2[ kwawr-uh l, kwor- ]
/ ˈkwɔr əl, ˈkwɒr- /
noun
a square-headed bolt or arrow, formerly used with a crossbow.
Also quarry. a small, square or diamond-shaped pane of glass, as used in latticed windows.
any of various tools with pyramidal heads.
Origin of quarrel
21175–1225; Middle English quarel < Old French < Medieval Latin quadrellus, diminutive of Latin quadrus square
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Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2019
Examples from the Web for quarrel
British Dictionary definitions for quarrel (1 of 2)
quarrel
1/ (ˈkwɒrəl) /
noun
an angry disagreement; argument
a cause of disagreement or dispute; grievance
verb -rels, -relling or -relled or US -rels, -reling or -reled (intr often foll by with)
to engage in a disagreement or dispute; argue
to find fault; complain
Derived Forms
quarreller or US quarreler, nounWord Origin for quarrel
C14: from Old French querele, from Latin querēlla complaint, from querī to complain
British Dictionary definitions for quarrel (2 of 2)
quarrel
2/ (ˈkwɒrəl) /
noun
an arrow having a four-edged head, fired from a crossbow
a small square or diamond-shaped pane of glass, usually one of many in a fixed or casement window and framed with lead
Word Origin for quarrel
C13: from Old French quarrel pane, from Medieval Latin quadrellus, diminutive of Latin quadrus square
Collins English Dictionary - Complete & Unabridged 2012 Digital Edition
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Idioms and Phrases with quarrel
quarrel
see pick a quarrel.
The American Heritage® Idioms Dictionary
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