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Prewar: meaning, definitions and examples

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prewar

 

[ priːˈwɔːr ]

Adjective
Context #1 | Adjective

historical period

The term 'prewar' refers to the time period before a significant war, often encompassing social, economic, and political conditions leading up to the conflict. It is commonly used to describe the status of countries or regions before World War I, World War II, or other significant military conflicts.

Synonyms

antebellum, pre-conflict, pre-military.

Examples of usage

  • The prewar economy showed signs of prosperity.
  • Many prewar buildings remain as historic landmarks.
  • The prewar tensions were evident in diplomatic relations.

Translations

Translations of the word "prewar" in other languages:

🇵🇹 pré-guerra

🇮🇳 पूर्वयुद्ध

🇩🇪 vor dem Krieg

🇮🇩 sebelum perang

🇺🇦 допередвоєнний

🇵🇱 przedwojenny

🇯🇵 戦前の

🇫🇷 d'avant-guerre

🇪🇸 de antes de la guerra

🇹🇷 savaş öncesi

🇰🇷 전쟁 전의

🇸🇦 ما قبل الحرب

🇨🇿 předválečný

🇸🇰 predvojnový

🇨🇳 战前的

🇸🇮 predvojniški

🇮🇸 fyrir stríð

🇰🇿 соғысқа дейінгі

🇬🇪 ომამდე

🇦🇿 müharibədən əvvəl

🇲🇽 previo a la guerra

Etymology

The word 'prewar' combines the prefix 'pre-', meaning 'before', with the noun 'war'. Its use can be traced back to the early 20th century, particularly relating to the periods preceding World War I and World War II. The prefix 'pre-' is derived from the Latin 'prae', meaning 'before' or 'in front of', while 'war' is derived from the Old English 'werre', which means 'to confuse' or 'to engage in battle'. As military conflicts have shaped global history, the term 'prewar' has become a valuable descriptor for discussing the socio-political landscape preceding these conflicts. It helps historians and analysts understand the factors that contributed to the outbreak of war, making it a significant term in both academic and casual discussions.

Word Frequency Rank

At position #14,639, this word is part of sophisticated English vocabulary. It's useful for academic or professional contexts where precise language is needed.