strife

noun

Etymology: From Middle English strif, stryf, striffe, from Old French estrif, noun derived from estriver, from Frankish *strīban; compare Dutch strijven. More at strive.

1. Striving; earnest endeavor; hard work.
2. Exertion or contention for superiority, either by physical or intellectual means.

   “From forth the fatal loins of these two foes A pair of star-cross'd lovers take their life; Whose misadventured piteous overthrows Do with their death bury their parents' strife.”

   “Hee is proud, knowing nothing, but doting about questions, and ſtrifes of wordes,[…]”

3. Bitter conflict, sometimes violent.

   “A few observations about the interpretation of vows or pledges may not be out of place here. Interpretation of pledges has been a fruitful source of strife all the world over. No matter how explicit the pledge, people will turn and twist the text to suit their own purposes.”

4. A trouble of any kind.
5. That which is contended against; occasion of contest.

   “He ſpide lamenting her unlucky ſtrife,”