grudge

Definition

Deep-seated and/or long-term animosity or ill will about something or someone, especially due to perceived mistreatment.

Etymology

A variant of grutch (mid 15th-century, younger than begrudge), from Middle English grucchen (“to murmur, complain, feel envy, begrudge”), from Old French grouchier, groucier (“to murmur, grumble”), of Germanic origin, probably ultimately imitative. Akin to Middle High German grogezen (“to howl, wail”), German grocken (“to croak”). Compare also Old Norse krytja (“to murmur”), Old High German grunzen (“to grunt”).

Example Sentences

• "to have, hold, owe or bear a grudge against someone"
• "Bag. And if I do not my good Lord damme me for it I haue an old grudge at him cole black curre,"
• "I have never mentioned it to a human creature; I have kept my grudge to myself. I daresay I have been wicked, but my grudge has grown old with me."