War: meaning, definitions and examples
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war
[wɔːr ]
Definitions
in history
War is a state of armed conflict between different nations or states or different groups within a nation or state. It is characterized by extreme violence, aggression, and destruction, often resulting in loss of life and property.
Synonyms
Which Synonym Should You Choose?
| Word | Description / Examples |
|---|---|
| war |
Used to describe a large-scale and prolonged conflict between countries or large groups, often involving multiple battles over an extended period.
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| conflict |
A broad term that can describe any serious disagreement or argument, ranging from personal disputes to large-scale wars. It is not necessarily military in nature.
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| combat |
Describes direct physical fighting between military forces, often on a smaller scale than a battle. It emphasizes the act of fighting.
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| battle |
Refers to a specific, typically smaller-scale, engagement between military forces during a war or conflict. It is usually shorter in duration.
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Examples of usage
- World War II was one of the deadliest wars in history.
- The country declared war on its neighboring nation.
- The war lasted for several years before a peace treaty was signed.
in a figurative sense
War can also refer to a state of competition or hostility between different individuals or groups, where there is a struggle for dominance or control.
Synonyms
competition, conflict, struggle.
Which Synonym Should You Choose?
| Word | Description / Examples |
|---|---|
| war |
Use 'war' when referring to a large-scale armed conflict between countries or large groups. It involves organized and often prolonged fighting and can include battles, strategies, and significant impacts on the nations involved.
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| struggle |
'Struggle' indicates a strenuous effort or attempt to overcome difficulties, obstacles, or opposition. It can be physical or metaphorical and usually emphasizes the effort involved rather than the conflict itself.
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| conflict |
'Conflict' can apply to any serious disagreement or argument, whether between individuals, groups, or countries. It does not necessarily involve physical violence but indicates significant opposition or incompatibility.
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| competition |
'Competition' is appropriate when describing a situation where individuals or groups strive to outdo each other for a goal, prize, or recognition. It doesn't involve physical fighting and is often seen in sports, business, or academic settings.
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Examples of usage
- There is a price war going on between the two leading companies.
- The political parties are engaged in a war of words.
- The siblings are constantly at war with each other over trivial matters.
informal
War can be used informally as a verb to mean engaging in a conflict or competition with someone or something.
Synonyms
Which Synonym Should You Choose?
| Word | Description / Examples |
|---|---|
| war |
Same as above: War is used to describe large-scale, prolonged conflict between countries or large groups, usually involving organized, armed forces.
|
| fight |
Fight refers to a physical or verbal altercation between individuals or small groups. It can also mean a determined effort to achieve something.
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| compete |
Use 'compete' when discussing situations where individuals or groups vie against each other to achieve a specific goal, such as in sports, business, or academic contexts.
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| struggle |
Struggle describes situations where there is a difficult or prolonged effort to overcome challenges or achieve something, often without a direct opponent.
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Examples of usage
- I don't want to war with my colleagues over trivial issues.
- The two companies are warring over market share.
Interesting Facts
Historical Origins
- The term 'war' comes from the Old English word 'wyrre,' which means 'conflict' or 'strife.'
- Some of the earliest recorded wars occurred in Mesopotamia around 3000 BC, showcasing that conflict has existed for thousands of years.
- The Peloponnesian War (431-404 BC) between Athens and Sparta was one of the first major historical conflicts documented with detailed accounts.
Cultural Impact
- War has significantly influenced art and literature, leading to powerful works like Homer's 'The Iliad,' which depicts the Trojan War.
- Songs and poems written during wartime often express the feelings of those involved, such as the haunting lyrics of World War I songs and the American Civil War ballads.
- In many cultures, war is romanticized in films and stories, portraying heroes and the struggles of conflict while sometimes glossing over the harsh realities.
Psychology
- Studies show that individuals exposed to war are more likely to experience PTSD (Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder) due to the extreme stress and trauma of combat.
- War can alter group dynamics, often leading people to form stronger bonds with their comrades while also developing a deep mistrust of 'the enemy.'
- The principle of 'just war theory' examines the moral justification for engaging in warfare, highlighting the complex ethical dimensions of conflict.
Science
- Technological advancements in weaponry, such as tanks and drones, have fundamentally changed modern warfare and strategy.
- The study of war has led to developments in various fields, including sociology, anthropology, and political science, aiming to understand its roots and implications.
- War also has ecological consequences, as conflict zones can suffer severe damage to natural resources and habitats, affecting wildlife and ecosystems.
Modern Context
- Today, wars can be fought not just with guns, but also with cyber-attacks, showing how technology continues to evolve in stark ways.
- International organizations like the United Nations work to prevent conflicts and promote peace to avoid the devastating effects of war on societies.
- Ongoing conflicts in various regions around the world remind us of the importance of diplomacy and the need to find peaceful resolutions.
Translations
Translations of the word "war" in other languages:
🇵🇹 guerra
🇮🇳 युद्ध
🇩🇪 Krieg
🇮🇩 perang
🇺🇦 війна
🇵🇱 wojna
🇯🇵 戦争 (せんそう)
🇫🇷 guerre
🇪🇸 guerra
🇹🇷 savaş
🇰🇷 전쟁 (jeonjaeng)
🇸🇦 حرب (harb)
🇨🇿 válka
🇸🇰 vojna
🇨🇳 战争 (zhànzhēng)
🇸🇮 vojna
🇮🇸 stríð
🇰🇿 соғыс
🇬🇪 ომი (omi)
🇦🇿 müharibə
🇲🇽 guerra