war

[wɔːr]

war Definition

  • 1a state of armed conflict between nations, states, or societies
  • 2a sustained campaign against something undesirable
  • 3a state of competition or hostility between different people or groups

Using war: Examples

Take a moment to familiarize yourself with how "war" can be used in various situations through the following examples!

  • Example

    The country declared war on its neighbor.

  • Example

    The war lasted for five years.

  • Example

    The government launched a war on drugs.

  • Example

    There is a constant war between the two rival companies.

war Synonyms and Antonyms

Idioms Using war

  • to formally announce the beginning of a war

    Example

    The president declared war on terrorism after the 9/11 attacks.

  • to start fighting a war

    Example

    The country went to war to defend its sovereignty.

  • war chest

    a reserve of funds used for fighting a war or election campaign

    Example

    The candidate had a large war chest to finance his campaign.

Phrases with war

  • civil war

    a war between citizens of the same country

    Example

    The American Civil War was fought from 1861 to 1865.

  • a prolonged war or period of conflict during which each side seeks to gradually wear out the other by a series of small-scale actions

    Example

    The Vietnam War was a war of attrition.

  • a conflict between social groups and the struggle for dominance of their values, beliefs, and practices

    Example

    The culture war between liberals and conservatives has been ongoing for decades.

Origins of war

from Old English 'wyrre', meaning 'war'

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Summary: war in Brief

The term 'war' [wɔːr] refers to a state of armed conflict between nations, states, or societies. It can also describe a sustained campaign against something undesirable or a state of competition or hostility between different people or groups. Examples include 'The country declared war on its neighbor,' and 'The government launched a war on drugs.' Idioms like 'declare war' and 'go to war' denote formal declarations of war, while 'war chest' refers to a reserve of funds for fighting a war or election campaign.

How do native speakers use this expression?