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Warmonger Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

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warmonger

[ˈwɔːrˌmʌŋɡər ]

Definitions

Context #1 | Noun

political

A person who encourages or advocates aggression or warfare towards other nations or groups.

Synonyms

aggressor, hawk, militarist.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
warmonger

When describing someone who is actively encouraging war or conflict, often in a negative sense.

  • Many people consider him a warmonger for pushing the country into unnecessary wars.
  • The politician's speeches revealed him as a warmonger who disregarded peace talks.
hawk

Utilized primarily in political and military discussions to denote a person who supports aggressive or warlike policies, often contrasted with 'dove'.

  • Senator Smith is known as a hawk due to his advocacy for increased military spending.
  • The hawks in the administration are pushing for a more confrontational approach to foreign policy.
aggressor

Used when referring to someone or a nation that initiates hostilities or conflict. This term can be used in legal or political contexts.

  • The international community condemned the aggressor for its unprovoked attack.
  • History often remembers the aggressor as the instigator of war.
militarist

Describes someone who believes in maintaining a strong military and using it aggressively to defend or promote national interests. This term can be historic or contemporary.

  • The leader was a militarist who prioritized defense over diplomacy.
  • In the early 20th century, many European nations were led by militarists.

Examples of usage

  • Many consider the leader to be a warmonger due to his constant threats of military action.
  • The warmonger's speeches have raised tensions between the two countries.
Context #2 | Noun

historical

A leader who promotes or incites war for political or economic gain.

Synonyms

belligerent, jingoist, war hawk.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
warmonger

Used to describe a person or leader who promotes or advocates for war, often seen negatively.

  • The politician was widely criticized as a warmonger for his aggressive stance on international conflicts.
  • Critics accused the president of being a warmonger, pushing the country towards unnecessary battles.
war hawk

Refers to a person, particularly a politician, who advocates for military action or war. It is often used in political contexts and can be negative depending on the perspective.

  • The senator was known as a war hawk, always pushing for military intervention.
  • During the debate, the war hawk faction argued for immediate action against the perceived threat.
belligerent

Describes someone who is aggressive, hostile, and inclined to engage in conflict. It can refer to an individual, group, or nation and often has a negative connotation.

  • His belligerent attitude caused friction among the team members.
  • The belligerent nation refused to negotiate, making peace talks impossible.
jingoist

Used to describe someone who is excessively patriotic and favors an aggressive foreign policy. The term is often pejorative and implies extreme nationalism.

  • The jingoist speeches at the rally promoted a dangerous sense of nationalism.
  • Critics of the regime described its leaders as jingoists, obsessed with military power.

Examples of usage

  • The warmonger's policies led to a devastating conflict that lasted for years.
  • History books often portray him as a warmonger who prioritized conquest over peace.

Translations

To see the translation, please select a language from the options available.

Interesting Facts

Historical Context

  • Throughout history, leaders and figures labeled as warmongers often played critical roles in escalating tensions, leading to notable wars.
  • The term became particularly popular during the World Wars as critics used it to describe those advocating for military solutions.

Pop Culture

  • In various movies and literature, warmongers are often portrayed as villains, using manipulation to drive nations into conflict.
  • Songs and art have critiqued warmongers, highlighting the negative impact of war on society and humanity.

Political Science

  • Scholars debate the motives of warmongers, suggesting that personal gain, power, or ideology often fuel their advocacy for war.
  • Some political movements have labeled certain factions or leaders as warmongers to frame them negatively in public discourse.

Social Psychology

  • Research indicates that beliefs in a strong military can influence individuals to support warmongering behaviors, linking to national pride.
  • Cognitive biases can play a role in how people perceive warmongers, often viewing their actions through the lens of personal or cultural identity.

Origin of 'warmonger'

Main points about word origin

  • The term originates from Middle English, combining 'war' with 'monger', which means 'seller' or 'dealer'.
  • Its use has evolved over time, initially referring to someone who trades in war or military supplies in ancient times.

The term 'warmonger' originated in the mid-19th century, combining 'war' and 'monger' (seller). It was initially used to describe those who profit from selling weapons or promoting war. Over time, the term evolved to refer to individuals who actively encourage or advocate for war, often for personal or political gain. Warmongers have been a controversial figure throughout history, with debates over the ethics of their actions and the impact of their influence on global conflicts.

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

Word Frequency Rank

Ranking #39,213, this word is encountered relatively rarely in everyday English. It might appear in literary works or specialized texts but isn't essential for general communication.