internecine

[ in-ter-nee-seen, -sahyn, -nes-een, -nes-ahyn ]
/ ˌɪn tərˈni sin, -saɪn, -ˈnɛs in, -ˈnɛs aɪn /

adjective

of or relating to conflict or struggle within a group: an internecine feud among proxy holders.
mutually destructive.
characterized by great slaughter; deadly.
Also in·ter·ne·cive [in-ter-nee-siv, -nes-iv] /ˌɪn tɛrˈni sɪv, -ˈnɛs ɪv/.

Origin of internecine

1655–65; < Latin internecīnus, internecīvus murderous, equivalent to internec(āre) to kill out, exterminate ( inter- inter- + necāre to kill) + -īnus -ine1, -īvus -ive

Example sentences from the Web for internecine

British Dictionary definitions for internecine

internecine
/ (ˌɪntəˈniːsaɪn) /

adjective

mutually destructive or ruinous; maiming both or all sides internecine war
of or relating to slaughter or carnage; bloody
of or involving conflict within a group or organization

Word Origin for internecine

C17: from Latin internecīnus, from internecāre to destroy, from necāre to kill