First Known Use: 14th century
Dictionary
1grudge
verb \ˈgrəj\
: to give, do, or allow (something) in a reluctant or unwilling way
: to dislike or feel angry toward (someone) for something
grudgedgrudg·ing
Full Definition of GRUDGE
transitive verb
: to be unwilling to give or admit : give or allow reluctantly or resentfully <didn't grudge the time>
— grudg·er noun
See grudge defined for English-language learners
See grudge defined for kids
ADVERTISEMENT
Origin of GRUDGE
Middle English grucchen, grudgen to grumble, complain, from Anglo-French grucer, grucher, of Germanic origin; akin to Middle High German grogezen to howl
2grudge
noun
: a strong feeling of anger toward someone that lasts for a long time
Full Definition of GRUDGE
: a feeling of deep-seated resentment or ill will
See grudge defined for English-language learners
First Known Use of GRUDGE
15th century
Related to GRUDGE
- Synonyms
- down [chiefly British], grievance, resentment, score
- Antonyms
- amity
Synonym Discussion of GRUDGE
malice, malevolence, ill will, spite, malignity, spleen, grudge mean the desire to see another experience pain, injury, or distress. malice implies a deep-seated often unexplainable desire to see another suffer <felt no malice toward their former enemies>. malevolence suggests a bitter persistent hatred that is likely to be expressed in malicious conduct <a look of dark malevolence>. ill will implies a feeling of antipathy of limited duration <ill will provoked by a careless remark>. spite implies petty feelings of envy and resentment that are often expressed in small harassments <petty insults inspired by spite>. malignity implies deep passion and relentlessness <a life consumed by motiveless malignity>. spleen suggests the wrathful release of latent spite or persistent malice <venting his spleen against politicians>. grudge implies a harbored feeling of resentment or ill will that seeks satisfaction <never one to harbor a grudge>.
GRUDGE Defined for Kids
1grudge
verb \ˈgrəj\
grudgedgrudg·ing
Definition of GRUDGE for Kids
: begrudge
2grudge
noun
Definition of GRUDGE for Kids
: a feeling of anger or dislike towards someone usually that lasts a long time <She's held a grudge against me since kindergarten.> <…Lester welcomed us kids back onto his bus without a grudge… — Ingrid Law, Savvy>
Learn More About GRUDGE
Browse
ADVERTISEMENT
Seen & Heard
What made you want to look up grudge? Please tell us where you read or heard it (including the quote, if possible).