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

She is also in a quarrel with Erika Kirk over unsubstantiated claims of a conspiracy involving the US and Israeli governments in the killing of her husband.

From Barron's

Around 436 B.C., a “quarrel in a faraway county” of which neither Athenians nor Spartans knew much broke out into civil war in the colony of Epidamnus.

From The Wall Street Journal

The evening before the family’s departure, the ancient woman sat in her wheelchair in a dim corner of the drawing room, watching through half-closed eyes as the family quarreled.

From Literature

The group kept quarreling until Loudwing let out a tremendous honk.

From Literature

Senior continues to see, and quarrel with, his fallen friend.

From Los Angeles Times

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