Definition

1. Noun:

   • A persistent feeling of resentment or ill will: A "grudge" is a deep-seated feeling of anger or bitterness held against someone because of a past offense or injury. It implies a lasting desire for revenge or a sense of injustice.
   • A reason for such resentment: The specific cause or event that gives rise to this feeling.

2. Verb:

   • To be unwilling to give or allow something: To give, grant, or admit something reluctantly or with a sense of resentment.
   • To feel or harbor a grudge: To hold a persistent feeling of resentment against someone.

Usage Examples

• Noun: She still held a grudge against him for betraying her trust. Their long-standing grudge finally led to a public argument.

• Verb: He grudged every penny he had to spend on the repairs. She did not grudge him his success, but she envied it quietly.

Advanced Usage

• "To bear/harbor/nurse a grudge": To maintain a feeling of resentment over a long period.
• "To owe someone a grudge": To have a reason to resent someone.

Variants and Related Words

• Grudging (adj): Given or allowed only reluctantly or resentfully.
• Grudgingly (adv): In a reluctant or resentful manner.

Synonyms

• Noun: Resentment, bitterness, rancor, malice, spite, animosity.
• Verb: Resent, begrudge.

Related Phrases

• "Without grudge": Freely and without resentment.
• "Settle an old grudge": To resolve a long-standing resentment.

Idioms

• "Hold a grudge": To continue to feel angry or unfriendly toward someone because of a past event.

Noun

1. a resentment strong enough to justify retaliation
   • holding a grudge
   • settling a score

Verb

1. accept or admit unwillingly
2. bear a grudge; harbor ill feelings