noun , verb
■ noun / ˈkɒnflɪkt; NAmE ˈkɑːn-/ [ C , U ] conflict (between A and B) | conflict (over sth)
1.
a situation in which people, groups or countries are involved in a serious disagreement or argument :
a conflict between two cultures
The violence was the result of political and ethnic conflicts.
She found herself in conflict with her parents over her future career.
John often comes into conflict with his boss.
The government has done nothing to resolve the conflict over nurses' pay.
2.
a violent situation or period of fighting between two countries :
armed / military conflict
3.
a situation in which there are opposing ideas, opinions, feelings or wishes; a situation in which it is difficult to choose :
The story tells of a classic conflict between love and duty.
Her diary was a record of her inner conflict.
Many of these ideas appear to be in conflict with each other.
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IDIOMS
- conflict of interest(s)
■ verb
/ kənˈflɪkt/ [ v ] conflict (with sth) if two ideas, beliefs, stories, etc. conflict , it is not possible for them to exist together or for them both to be true
SYN clash :
conflicting emotions / interests / loyalties
These results conflict with earlier findings.
Reports conflicted on how much of the aid was reaching the famine victims.
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WORD ORIGIN
late Middle English : from Latin conflict- struck together, fought, from the verb confligere , from con- together + fligere to strike; the noun is via Latin conflictus a contest.