American Dictionary

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Definition war in American English

war noun

noun
/wɔr/

▪ avert, declare, fight, launch, lose, prevent, provoke, spark, trigger, wage, win

1

fighting between two or more countries that involves the use of the military and usually continues for a long time

Example

The negotiations failed, and war now seemed inevitable.

Example

the ever-present threat of nuclear war

Example

They have been at war for five years.

Example

Let's hope they can find a solution without going to war.

Example

I joined the Navy when war broke out.

Example

When Poland was invaded, the Allies had no choice but to declare war.

Synonyms and related words
1.1

fighting between opposing groups within one country

Example

Sierra Leone had endured ten years of war.

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1.2

a particular period of fighting between countries or groups of people

Example

the Revolutionary War

Example

the wars between England and Scotland in the 14th century

Example

The King led England into another war against France.

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2

a determined and organized effort to control or stop something, for example a disease or crime

Example

This is a major victory in the war against drugs.

Example

We will continue to wage war on organized crime.

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3

a situation in which countries, organizations, or businesses compete with each other to gain economic power or control

Example

This could easily start a trade war.

Example

the war for supremacy in the fast-food industry

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4

a situation in which two people or groups of people fight, argue, or are extremely unpleasant to each other

Example

He was angry, but reluctant to declare war on his old friends.

Example

You know this means war!

Synonyms and related words
Definition war in American English