Definition, Meaning & Synonyms

blood-feud

noun

/blʌd fjuːd/

Definition

A prolonged and often violent dispute between families or groups that involves revenge for a perceived wrong.

Examples

The Hatfields and McCoys are a famous example of a blood-feud in American history.
After the assassination, the two families were embroiled in a deadly blood-feud for decades.
In some cultures, a blood-feud can last for generations if not resolved.

Meaning

A blood-feud typically involves ongoing hostilities between two family units or clans, where retaliation for a wrong done to one side leads to further acts of revenge from the other.