conflict
UK[ˈkɒnflɪkt]US[ˈkɑːnflɪkt]
n
A serious disagreement or argument, typically a protracted one.
n
A prolonged armed struggle.
v
To be incompatible or at variance; clash.
Morpheme Breakdown
con
flict
con
together
flict
strike
Etymology
The word 'conflict' originates from the Latin verb confligere, meaning "to strike together." This verb is a compound of the prefix con- (together) and fligere (to strike). The literal sense of physical collision or combat was carried directly into Middle English from Latin. Over time, the meaning broadened metaphorically to encompass any clashing opposition, whether in ideas, interests, or forces, moving from the purely physical to the abstract realms of psychology, society, and narrative.
Analysis
Structure: con (together) + flict (strike)
con: A Latin prefix meaning "together, with, jointly."
flict: From the Latin root fligere (to strike), appearing in its past participle stem flict-.
Examples
The new evidence brought him into direct conflict with the established theory.
The region has a long history of armed conflict.
His work schedule conflicts with his family commitments.