Pronunciation: [dɪklˈe͡ə wˈɔː] (IPA) 
The phrase "declare war" is spelled with the letter "d" and "e" making a "duh" sound, followed by "klair" which is pronounced with the "air" sound. The final syllable, "war" is pronounced with the "or" sound. To write it in IPA phonetic transcription, it would be /dɪˈklɛər wɔːr/. This phrase is used to signify a formal announcement of war by one country against another, indicating a state of armed conflict.
To "declare war" is a formal and public announcement made by a sovereign entity, such as a country or a state, signaling their intention to engage in armed conflict against another nation or entity. This declaration serves as a legal and internationally recognized statement that indicates the commencement of hostilities and is generally considered a prerequisite for launching military actions.
When a country or state declares war, it demonstrates their resolve to use military force to achieve their goals, and establishes the legal framework and justification for engaging in armed conflict. The declaration is typically issued by a government, head of state, or their authorized representative, and is disseminated through various means, including public addresses, official statements, or diplomatic channels.
This formal announcement of war not only informs the public and other nations about the imminent conflict, but also triggers legal and diplomatic consequences. It permits the involved parties to act under the rules of war and establishes the rights and obligations of combatants according to international conventions and treaties.
"Declaring war" holds significant historical and contemporary importance as it embodies a crucial milestone that marks the transition from peace to hostility between nations. It is often accompanied by a statement of grievances, reasons, or justifications for undertaking military actions. The decision to declare war is a complex and weighty choice that can have profound consequences on the global political landscape, human lives, and international relations.
The term "declare war" originated from Old French and Latin roots. The verb "declare" comes from the Old French word "declarer", which can be traced back to the Latin word "declarare". In Latin, "declarare" is a combination of "de-" (meaning thoroughly or completely) and "clarus" (meaning clear or distinct). Thus, "declarare" essentially means to make something clear or explicitly known.
In the context of war, declaring war involves making the intention of initiating hostilities explicitly known to another entity, such as a country or government. This act "declares" or makes clear that a state of war exists between two or more parties. Throughout history, nations have used various methods to formally announce the commencement of hostilities, such as diplomatic notes, public speeches, or official proclamations.
