conflict conflict /kənˈflɪkt/

noun

1. () An open clash between two opposing groups (or individuals)  ( battle , conflict , struggle )
   an open clash between two opposing groups (or individuals)
    The harder the conflict the more glorious the triumph
   the harder the conflict the more glorious the triumph
    Police tried to control the battle between the pro- and anti-abortion mobs
   police tried to control the battle between the pro- and anti-abortion mobs
   
2. () A hostile meeting of opposing military forces in the course of a war  ( conflict , engagement , fight , battle )
   a hostile meeting of opposing military forces in the course of a war
    Grant won a decisive victory in the battle of Chickamauga
   Grant won a decisive victory in the battle of Chickamauga
    He lost his romantic ideas about war when he got into a real engagement
   he lost his romantic ideas about war when he got into a real engagement
   
   
3. () Opposition between two simultaneous but incompatible feelings  ( conflict )
   opposition between two simultaneous but incompatible feelings
    He was immobilized by conflict and indecision
   he was immobilized by conflict and indecision
   
4. () An incompatibility of dates or events  ( conflict )
   an incompatibility of dates or events
    He noticed a conflict in the dates of the two meetings
   he noticed a conflict in the dates of the two meetings
   
5. () A state of opposition between persons, ideas or interests  ( conflict )
   a state of opposition between persons, ideas or interests
    His conflict of interest made him ineligible for the post
   his conflict of interest made him ineligible for the post
    A conflict of loyalties
   a conflict of loyalties
   
6. A disagreement or argument about something important  ( conflict , difference , difference of opinion , dispute )
   a disagreement or argument about something important
    He had a dispute with his wife
   he had a dispute with his wife
    There were irreconcilable differences
   there were irreconcilable differences
    The familiar conflict between Republicans and Democrats
   the familiar conflict between Republicans and Democrats
   
7. Opposition in a work of drama or fiction between characters or forces (especially an opposition that motivates the development of the plot)  ( conflict )
   opposition in a work of drama or fiction between characters or forces (especially an opposition that motivates the development of the plot)
    This form of conflict is essential to Mann's writing
   this form of conflict is essential to Mann's writing
   

verb

1. () Be in conflict  ( conflict )
   be in conflict
    The two proposals conflict!
   The two proposals conflict!
   
2. () Go against, as of rules and laws  ( contravene , infringe , run afoul , conflict )
   go against, as of rules and laws
    He ran afoul of the law
   He ran afoul of the law
    This behavior conflicts with our rules
   This behavior conflicts with our rules