ˈstrīf noun
( -s )
Etymology: Middle English strif, from Old French estrif, probably from estriver to fight — more at strive
1.
a. : the state or condition of distrust or enmity : often bitter sometimes violent conflict or dissension
the grace of universal peace and the folly of human strife — M.R.Cohen
a law that … comes nearest to eliminating labor strife — A.G.Larke
b. : an act of contention : fight , quarrel , struggle
some twenty of them fought in this black strife — Shakespeare
was nominated for governor as a result of the factional strife within the … party — H.C.Hockett
2. : exertion or contention for superiority : a contest usually for a desired goal or result
a strange strife of wishes, for and against — Thomas Hardy
3. archaic : the act of striving : earnest endeavor
we will pay with strife to please you — Shakespeare
Synonyms: see discord