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Added 3 October 2026

grudge

/ɡɹʌd͡ʒ/ noun

noun Definition from Wiktionary (CC BY-SA). Pronunciation from Wiktionary, via Kaikki.org. More about grudge at Wordnik → Where our words come from →

Deep-seated and/or long-term animosity or ill will about something or someone, especially due to perceived mistreatment.
to have, hold, owe or bear a grudge against someone

verb

To be unwilling to give or allow (someone something). .mw-parser-output .defdate{font-size:smaller}
To grumble, complain; to be dissatisfied.
To hold or harbour with malicious disposition or purpose; to cherish enviously.

Origin

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”).

From Wiktionary, via Kaikki.org (CC BY-SA)

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