English Explanatory Dictionary

grudge

English dictionary entry

Meanings

noun
  1. Deep-seated and/or long-term animosity or ill will about something or someone, especially due to perceived mistreatment.
verb
  1. To be unwilling to give or allow (someone something).
  2. To grumble, complain; to be dissatisfied.
  3. To hold or harbour with malicious disposition or purpose; to cherish enviously.

Pronunciation

/ɡɹʌd͡ʒ/ en-us-grudge.ogg

Word forms

grudge grudges grudging grudged

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”).

Synonyms

rancor spite resentment

Related words

grudge match

Derived words

bear a grudge grudgeful grudgeholder grudgeless grudgesome grudging grudgy hold a grudge begrudge grudgement grudger grudgery grudgingly misgrudge
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