conflict

(noun) an open clash between two opposing groups (or individuals). Synonyms: struggle, battle. Examples: "The harder the conflict the more glorious the triumph"--thomas paine." "Police tried to control the battle between the pro- and anti-abortion mobs."

(noun) opposition between two simultaneous but incompatible feelings. Example: "He was immobilized by conflict and indecision."

(noun) a hostile meeting of opposing military forces in the course of a war. Synonyms: battle, fight, engagement. Examples: "Grant won a decisive victory in the battle of chickamauga." "He lost his romantic ideas about war when he got into a real engagement."

(noun) a state of opposition between persons or ideas or interests. Examples: "His conflict of interest made him ineligible for the post." "A conflict of loyalties."

(noun) an incompatibility of dates or events. Example: "He noticed a conflict in the dates of the two meetings."

(noun) opposition in a work of drama or fiction between characters or forces (especially an opposition that motivates the development of the plot). Example: "This form of conflict is essential to mann's writing."

(noun) a disagreement or argument about something important. Synonyms: dispute, difference, difference of opinion. Examples: "He had a dispute with his wife." "There were irreconcilable differences." "The familiar conflict between republicans and democrats."

(verb) be in conflict. Example: "The two proposals conflict!."

(verb) go against, as of rules and laws. Synonyms: run afoul, infringe, contravene. Examples: "He ran afoul of the law." "This behavior conflicts with our rules."