WAR Meaning and
Definition
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War is a term that refers to a state of armed conflict between two or more groups, characterized by extreme hostility, aggression, and violence. It is a large-scale phenomenon, typically involving the mobilization of significant military forces to engage in combat. Wars are often driven by disputes over territory, resources, religious or ideological differences, political power, or the defense of sovereignty.
During a war, the warring parties engage in organized and systematic violence aimed at achieving their objectives. This can include the use of weaponry, such as firearms, tanks, aircraft, and missiles, as well as various strategic tactics and maneuvers. The intensity of warfare can lead to immense destruction, loss of life, and profound social and economic consequences for the involved nations or regions.
Wars can take several forms, including conventional warfare, which relies on traditional military tactics and technologies; guerrilla warfare, marked by small-scale, unconventional tactics used by non-state actors; or cyber warfare, which employs digital means to disrupt or sabotage enemy targets. The duration and scale of wars can vary greatly, from short-term conflicts to long-lasting, protracted struggles.
Given the immense human suffering and devastation wars often bring, efforts have been made throughout history to establish rules and conventions, such as the Geneva Conventions, to limit the methods used and protect civilians, prisoners of war, and other vulnerable groups. These efforts aim to mitigate the destructive impacts of war and encourage peaceful resolution of conflicts.
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• An armed contest between nations or states; a contest carried on by force of arms; open hostility; the profession of arms; opposition or contest of any kind carried on between two parties.
• To attack a state with force of arms; to carry on hostilities; to contend; to strive with violence.
Etymological and pronouncing dictionary of the English language. By Stormonth, James, Phelp, P. H. Published 1874.
Top Common Misspellings for WAR *
* The statistics data for these misspellings percentages are collected from over 15,411,110 spell check sessions on www.spellchecker.net from Jan 2010 - Jun 2012.
Other Common Misspellings for WAR
Etymology of WAR
The word "war" has its origins in the Old English word "werre". This term derived from the Old High German word "werra" and the Old Norse word "verr", both of which meant "conflict" or "strife". The common Proto-Germanic root "werra-" is associated with the idea of "discord" or "contention". Ultimately, it can be traced back to the Proto-Indo-European root *wers-, which meant "to confuse" or "to mix up". The concept of war or conflict has been an integral part of human history and existed in various forms in different cultures throughout time.
Idioms with the word WAR
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declare war against (someone or something)
The idiom "declare war against (someone or something)" means to openly and formally express a strong opposition or hostility towards a person, group, or thing. It suggests a deliberate and public announcement of one's intention to engage in a conflict or battle, whether it is literal or figurative.
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the fortunes of war
The idiom "the fortunes of war" refers to the unpredictable and ever-changing outcomes and circumstances that occur during times of conflict or war. It signifies the idea that success or failure in war is uncertain and can change rapidly due to various factors such as strategy, tactics, luck, or resources.
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declare war against
The idiom "declare war against" means to openly and formally announce one's intention to engage in a conflict or struggle with another person, group, or entity. It implies a purposeful and direct opposition, indicating a willingness to take action against the target of the declaration.
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a battle/war of nerves
The idiom "a battle/war of nerves" refers to a situation or contest characterized by high levels of tension, anxiety, or psychological pressure. It describes a fierce struggle where the competitors or participants try to intimidate or mentally exhaust each other in order to gain an advantage. It suggests a state of psychological warfare where the focus is on destabilizing the opponent mentally rather than physically.
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a war to end all wars
The idiom "a war to end all wars" refers to the concept of a war that seeks to bring about lasting peace and permanently eliminate the reasons or factors that lead to war. It originated during World War I when people believed that the scale and devastation of the conflict would prevent any future wars from occurring. However, it is now commonly used to express the hope or desire for a war that will fundamentally change the world and put an end to all conflicts.
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Councils of war never fight.
The idiom "Councils of war never fight" means that discussing or debating plans of action during a crisis or conflict does not actually accomplish anything. It suggests that too much time spent on deliberation and too many opinions can hinder decisive action and prevent actual progress.
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at war
The idiom "at war" refers to a state or condition of conflict, hostility, or contention, either in a literal or figurative sense. It implies being engaged in a battle, opposition, or struggle against someone or something. It can be used to describe situations ranging from actual military conflict between nations to personal or internal conflicts within oneself or among individuals or groups.
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go to war (over sm or sth)
The idiom "go to war (over sm or sth)" means to be willing to fight or engage in a conflict or argument about something, often with great determination or intensity. It implies being ready to defend one's beliefs, principles, or interests regardless of the consequences.
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make war
The idiom "make war" refers to the act of engaging in or initiating conflict or warfare, typically between nations or groups. It implies the use of military force to confront or attack an enemy. It can also be used metaphorically to describe intense or aggressive confrontations in various contexts.
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declare war (on)
The idiom "declare war (on)" means to proclaim and initiate a formal state of conflict or hostility towards someone or something. It can be used metaphorically to describe an intense and determined effort to oppose or fight against a specific issue or entity.
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war against sm or sth
The idiom "war against someone or something" refers to a vigorous or determined effort to combat, oppose, or defeat a particular person, group, or problem in an intense and prolonged manner. It can be used metaphorically to describe a committed struggle or campaign aimed at eliminating or overcoming a specific issue or challenge.
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If you want peace, prepare for war
The idiom "If you want peace, prepare for war" means that in order to maintain peace or prevent conflicts, one must be prepared and ready to defend themselves or take aggressive action if necessary. It suggests that displaying strength and being well-equipped can deter potential aggressors and ultimately promote peace.
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If you want peace, (you must) prepare for war.
The idiom "If you want peace, (you must) prepare for war" means that in order to maintain or achieve peace, one must be strong and ready to defend themselves or engage in conflict if necessary. It suggests that being well-prepared and having a strong defense can act as a deterrent and discourage potential acts of aggression.
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dogs of war
The idiom "dogs of war" refers to individuals or groups who are eager for or prone to engaging in war or conflict. It portrays them as agents of destruction or violence, ready to unleash chaos and aggression. The phrase is typically used metaphorically to describe warlike behavior or a state of combat readiness.
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a war of words
The idiom "a war of words" refers to a situation where people engage in a heated or intense verbal conflict, using aggressive or critical language to argue or debate a particular issue. It emphasizes the confrontational nature of the exchange, highlighting the focus on verbal attacks rather than physical violence.
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win the battle, but lose the war
The idiom "win the battle, but lose the war" means to achieve a small or temporary victory, but ultimately suffer a greater or long-term loss. It refers to a situation where one focuses on short-term goals or immediate victories, but fails to consider the larger context or long-term consequences, leading to an overall disadvantage or defeat in the end.
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go to war (over someone or something)
The idiom "go to war (over someone or something)" refers to taking strong and aggressive actions or showing fierce determination to protect, defend, or fight for someone or something. It signifies being ready to engage in intense conflict or battle, whether physical, verbal, or symbolic, to ensure the desired outcome or achieve one's goals.
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war chest
The idiom "war chest" refers to a significant amount of money or financial resources that are set aside or accumulated for a specific purpose, often to be used in a battle, competition, or pursuit of a specific goal, such as electoral campaigns, business ventures, or legal battles. The term "war chest" implies having a strategic advantage or preparedness through financial means.
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an act of war
The idiom "an act of war" refers to an action, event, or occurrence that is considered severe and aggressive enough to be considered a justification or cause for starting or engaging in military conflict between nations or factions. It typically refers to a deliberate and significant provocation or aggression that breaches international norms or principles.
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go to war
The idiom "go to war" refers to the act of engaging in conflict or an intense confrontation, either literally or metaphorically, to exert force or effort to achieve a particular goal or defend one's position, often involving significant risks and sacrifices.
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war clouds are gathering
The idiom "war clouds are gathering" means that the signs or indications of an impending conflict or war are becoming increasingly apparent. It implies that tensions, disputes, or hostilities between parties are escalating and the possibility of a war or armed conflict is growing imminent.
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war with sm
The definition of the idiom "war with someone" refers to a state of intense conflict or struggle between two or more individuals or parties. It signifies a period of hostility, animosity, or disagreement where the involved parties are engaged in an ongoing battle or dispute. The term "war" here is used metaphorically to describe the intensity and scale of the conflict, although it does not necessarily imply literal armed combat.
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war of words
The idiom "war of words" refers to a heated and intense verbal dispute or conflict between individuals or groups, often involving strong and aggressive language. It implies a battle or conflict fought through the use of words and rhetoric rather than physical force.
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war bride
The idiom "war bride" refers to a woman who marries a soldier from another country during or immediately after a war. It conveys the idea of a cross-cultural marriage that emerged as a result of the conflicts.
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war over sm or sth
The idiom "war over something" refers to a fierce or intense conflict or struggle that occurs over a particular issue, topic, or object. It implies that individuals or groups are engaged in a prolonged battle or dispute regarding that specific thing. The idiom conveys the notion of a heated argument or disagreement that resembles a war-like scenario.
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all’s fair in love and war
The idiom "all’s fair in love and war" means that in certain situations, such as matters of love and conflicts or competitions, people are allowed to behave in any way, even if it is unfair or morally questionable, in order to achieve their goals or win.
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all-out war
The idiom "all-out war" refers to a situation in which all possible resources, efforts, or means are utilized in a conflict or battle. It implies an intense, unrestricted, and determined engagement in warfare, often involving a maximum deployment of military forces and strategies.
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allout war
The idiom "all-out war" refers to a situation or conflict where an intense, complete, and unrestrained effort or battle is being conducted, with no limitations, restrictions, or compromise. It implies that all possible resources, strategies, and tactics are being utilized in an aggressive and unrestricted manner to achieve victory or domination.
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declare war against sm or sth
The idiom "declare war against someone or something" means to publicly announce or officially declare a state of conflict or hostility towards a person, group, or thing. It implies a strong opposition and determination to fight against the target, often in a metaphorical sense.
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clouds of war are gathering, at war clouds are gathering
The idiom "clouds of war are gathering" or "at war, clouds are gathering" refers to a situation where there are clear signs or indications that conflict or war is imminent or likely to happen soon. It suggests that tensions, hostilities, or issues have been building up, and a full-blown confrontation or military action may be inevitable.
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all's fair in love and war
The idiom "all's fair in love and war" implies that during intense or passionate situations, like romantic relationships or times of conflict, the rules of fairness or acceptable behavior may not apply. People are often willing to resort to any means necessary to achieve victory or to win someone's love, disregarding conventional standards of fairness and ethics.
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a turf war
The idiom "a turf war" refers to a territorial dispute or conflict between two or more groups, organizations, or individuals competing for control or dominance over a particular area, market, or domain. It often involves aggressive actions, rivalry, or competition for resources, influence, or profit, and can occur in various contexts such as business, sports, politics, or criminal activities.
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sinews of war
The idiom "sinews of war" refers to the necessary financial resources or funding that are essential for engaging in war or any other major undertaking. It highlights the importance of money or economic strength in supporting and sustaining military operations.
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war against
The idiom "war against" refers to a determined effort or struggle to overcome or defeat something, typically a negative or unwanted situation, condition, or adversary. It implies a proactive and zealous approach to confronting and ultimately triumphing over the perceived threat.
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all is fair in love and war
The idiom "all is fair in love and war" means that in matters of love and conflict, any means or strategies can be justified or considered acceptable, even if they are generally considered immoral or unethical. It suggests that in emotional situations or during times of battle, people are allowed to act without moral constraints to achieve their desired outcome.
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declare war
To "declare war" means to formally announce a state of armed conflict between two or more countries or parties. It is a legal and official acknowledgment of hostilities, often involving a public announcement or a proclamation made by a government or its designated authority.
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war horse
The idiom "war horse" refers to a person or thing that has a well-established reputation or substantial experience in a particular field, often characterized by endurance, reliability, and resilience. It can also refer to a soldier or a military veteran with significant combat experience.
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a war of nerves
The idiom "a war of nerves" refers to a situation characterized by intense psychological pressure or tension between two or more individuals or groups. It is a figurative expression often used to describe a prolonged and mentally taxing conflict where the participants try to unsettle or intimidate each other through various means, such as mind games, psychological warfare, or manipulation.
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flame-war
A flame-war is a heated argument or dispute between individuals or groups on the internet, typically characterized by the use of personal insults, aggressive language, and inflammatory remarks.
Similar spelling words for WAR
Conjugate verb War
CONDITIONAL CONTINUOUS
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CONDITIONAL PRESENT
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IMPERATIVE
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PAST CONTINUOUS
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PRESENT
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PRESENT CONTINUOUS
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PRESENT PERFECT CONTINUOUS
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PRESENT SUBJUNCTIVE
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