Definition

Noun: A feeling of ill will, resentment, or animosity between people or groups, often resulting from past conflicts or disagreements. It implies a deep-seated, lasting hostility that can arouse active antagonism.

Usage

This noun is typically used to describe a state of mutual dislike or enmity. It is often used with verbs like "have," "cause," "create," or "stir up." It is an uncountable noun.

Examples

• There has been bad blood between the two families for generations.
• The unfair decision created a lot of bad blood among the team members.
• I hope we can settle this dispute without any bad blood.

Advanced Usage

• "Bad blood" can be qualified to specify its source or nature.
  • There is still some political bad blood from the last election.
  • The bad blood between the former business partners was well-known.

Variants and Related Words

• Bad feeling (noun phrase): A similar, though sometimes less intense, sense of resentment or displeasure.
  • The layoffs left a lot of bad feeling in the office.

Synonyms

• Animosity
• Hostility
• Enmity
• Ill will
• Resentment
• Antagonism

Antonyms

• Goodwill
• Friendship
• Amity
• Harmony

Related Idioms

• No love lost: Used to indicate mutual dislike, similar to having "bad blood."
  • There's no love lost between those two competitors.

Noun

1. a feeling of ill will arousing active hostility