'conflict-ridden' originates from the combination of 'conflict' and the suffix '-ridden', where 'conflict' refers to a serious disagreement or argument, and '-ridden' indicates being dominated or burdened by something.

'Conflict' comes from the Latin word 'conflictus', meaning 'a striking together', and '-ridden' is derived from Old English 'rīdan', meaning 'to ride'.

Initially, 'conflict' meant 'a striking together', but over time it evolved into its current meaning of 'a serious disagreement or argument'.