Internecine

Wednesday, October 29, 2025
Word of the Day

What is Internecine?

adjective
Destructive to both sides in a conflict; relating to internal strife within a group.

Pronunciation

US pronunciation: /ˌɪn.tərˈnɛs.iːn/
UK pronunciation: /ˌɪn.təˈniː.saɪn/
Slow pronunciation: in-ter-NEE-seen

Meaning Explained

Internecine marks civil wars, factional schisms, and fights where victory tastes like defeat.

Why This Word?

Chosen to diagnose conflicts that consume their own cause.

Examples of Use

Here's how this word appears in everyday language:

  • Internecine battles split the movement.
  • The company’s internecine rivalry stalled innovation.
  • History is littered with internecine wars.

Word Origins

Latin internecinus “fatal to both,” from inter- (among) + necare (to kill)

Modern use often drops literal killing for mutual ruin.

First appearance in English: mid 17th century

Word Family

Related forms of this word:

  • Noun: infighting

    Infighting sapped morale.

  • Adjective: civil

    A civil conflict dragged on.

  • Adjective: mutual

    Mutual destruction loomed.

Around the World

How this word appears in other languages:

  • Spanish: intestino / fratricida
  • French: internecine
  • German: verheerend für alle Seiten / innerparteilich
  • Italian: internecino
  • Portuguese: interno e destrutivo para ambos

If you Already Know This Word

If you've mastered this word, try these more advanced alternatives:

Fratricidal

Killing one’s own kin; internecine is broader.

Schismatic

About splits; internecine stresses destructive conflict.

Self-defeating

General term; internecine centers on opposed sides within.

Fun Facts

  • The word originally implied mutual slaughter; now widely figurative.
  • Pronunciations vary; dictionaries record both -NEE-seen and -NEE-sine.

Cultural Usage

  • Rome’s late Republic suffered internecine struggles.
  • Founders sometimes trigger internecine boardroom fights.

Common Mistakes

Not “intersex” or “internecine” mispronounced; watch the stress: -NEE-.

Micro Story

The party’s internecine feud cost it the election.