Strife/straɪf/ Definition 1 of 3Pro Tip 1/3Conflict Scale Use 'strife' when the conflict is intense and could potentially escalate. The boardroom echoed with the sound of corporate strife. Pro Tip 2/3Negative Emotion 'Strife' often implies a sense of frustration or weariness from prolonged conflict. Years of familial strife had taken a toll on them. Pro Tip 3/3Human Aspect Typically, 'strife' involves people or groups, rather than natural events or abstract concepts. The nation was shattered by civil strife.