quarrel

/ˈkwɔːrəl/

NOUN

1. An angry disagreement or argument

An angry or heated disagreement between two or more people or groups, often involving resentment, hostility, or a breakdown in friendly relations.

1.1. Personal arguments and disagreements

A verbal dispute between individuals, often arising from conflicting opinions, misunderstandings, or personal differences.

Synonyms

  • argument
  • disagreement
  • dispute
  • altercation
  • wrangle
  • squabble
  • bicker
  • spat
  • tiff
  • row
  • run-in

Antonyms

Examples

  • The couple had a bitter quarrel over how to manage their finances.
  • A minor quarrel between the siblings quickly turned into a heated argument.
  • They eventually settled their quarrel and became friends again.

Related Words

  • conflict
  • controversy
  • misunderstanding
  • contention
  • falling-out
  • hostility

1.2. Prolonged hostility or conflict

A serious or continuing disagreement between individuals, families, or groups that creates lasting resentment or strained relations.

Synonyms

Antonyms

Examples

  • The long-standing quarrel between the two families lasted for generations.
  • Their political quarrel created divisions throughout the organization.

Related Words

  • enmity
  • animosity
  • resentment
  • rivalry
  • discord

NOUN

2. A cause for complaint or objection

A matter that gives someone reason to disagree, complain, object, or feel dissatisfied with something.

2.1. Grievance or reason for objection

A particular issue or aspect of a situation that someone considers objectionable or has reason to criticize.

Synonyms

Antonyms

Examples

  • I have no quarrel with the decision to improve public transportation.
  • Her main quarrel with the proposal is its lack of transparency.
  • The employees had a legitimate quarrel with the company's unfair policy.

Related Words

VERB

3. To argue or disagree angrily

To engage in an angry disagreement with someone, often involving heated words, conflicting opinions, or mutual accusations.

3.1. Arguing with another person

To exchange angry or hostile words with someone because of a disagreement, conflict, or difference of opinion.

Synonyms

Antonyms

Examples

  • The neighbors often quarrel about noise and parking spaces.
  • The brothers quarrel over almost every family decision.
  • She refuses to quarrel with her colleagues over minor issues.

Related Words

3.2. Finding fault or expressing disagreement

To object to, criticize, or express disagreement with something, without necessarily engaging in an angry argument.

Synonyms

Antonyms

Examples

  • I do not quarrel with your assessment of the situation.
  • Few people would quarrel with the need for better public services.
  • She did not quarrel with the decision, although she questioned its timing.

Related Words

NOUN

4. A bolt or arrow shot from a crossbow

A short projectile with a typically square or four-sided head, designed to be fired from a crossbow.

4.1. Historical crossbow projectile

A short, often square-headed bolt used as ammunition for a crossbow, particularly in historical warfare and hunting.

Synonyms

  • crossbow bolt
  • bolt
  • arrow
  • dart

Examples

  • The museum displayed an ancient quarrel recovered from a medieval battlefield.
  • The crossbowman loaded a quarrel before taking aim at the target.

Related Words

  • crossbow
  • projectile
  • arrowhead
  • bowstring
  • ammunition