Warfare: meaning, definitions and examples

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warfare

 

[ ˈwɔːˌfeər ]

Noun
Context #1 | Noun

military conflict

Warfare refers to the process of engaging in or conducting war. It includes the strategies, tactics, and methods used by armed forces to achieve victory over an enemy. Warfare can involve various types of combat, such as land, sea, air, or cyber warfare.

Synonyms

battle, combat, conflict.

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Word Description / Examples
warfare

Describes large-scale military operations in a war, often involving strategies and technology over long periods.

  • Modern warfare includes the use of drones and cyber attacks
  • The concept of guerrilla warfare became popular during the Vietnam War
combat

Focused on individual fights or engagements between military personnel, can also refer to hand-to-hand fighting or smaller skirmishes.

  • He trained in hand-to-hand combat
  • The soldiers engaged the enemy in intense combat
conflict

A broad term that may refer to any disagreement or clash, ranging from small interpersonal disputes to large-scale wars.

  • The conflict between the two nations has escalated
  • There is ongoing conflict within the team about the project's direction
battle

Refers to a specific fight or encounter between armed forces during a war, generally confined to a limited area and shorter time frame.

  • The Battle of Gettysburg was a turning point in the American Civil War
  • Soldiers prepared for the upcoming battle with determination

Examples of usage

  • Modern warfare often relies on advanced technology.
  • The history of warfare dates back to ancient civilizations.
  • The art of warfare has evolved over centuries.

Translations

Translations of the word "warfare" in other languages:

🇵🇹 guerra

🇮🇳 युद्ध

🇩🇪 Kriegführung

🇮🇩 perang

🇺🇦 воєнні дії

🇵🇱 wojna

🇯🇵 戦争

🇫🇷 guerre

🇪🇸 guerra

🇹🇷 savaş

🇰🇷 전쟁

🇸🇦 حرب

🇨🇿 válka

🇸🇰 vojna

🇨🇳 战争

🇸🇮 vojna

🇮🇸 stríð

🇰🇿 соғыс

🇬🇪 ომი

🇦🇿 müharibə

🇲🇽 guerra

Etymology

The term 'warfare' has its origins in Old English, where 'wær' meant 'hostile contention, strife, war.' The suffix '-fare' is related to 'faran,' meaning 'to journey.' Therefore, warfare can be seen as the journey or process of engaging in warlike activities. Throughout history, warfare has been a central aspect of human conflict, shaping the course of nations and civilizations.

See also: war, warble, warhead, warheads, warily, warlike, warlock, warmonger, warmongering, warplane, warrior, warship, wary.

Word Frequency Rank

At #5,278 in frequency, this word belongs to advanced vocabulary. It's less common than core vocabulary but important for sophisticated expression.