Definition of contention

• n. - A violent effort or struggle to obtain, or to resist, something; contest; strife.
• n. - Strife in words; controversy; altercation; quarrel; dispute; as, a bone of contention.
• n. - Vehemence of endeavor; eagerness; ardor; zeal.
• n. - A point maintained in an argument, or a line of argument taken in its support; the subject matter of discussion or strife; a position taken or contended for.