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Warmongering Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

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warmongering

[ˈwɔːrˌmʌŋɡərɪŋ ]

Definitions

Context #1 | Noun

international relations

The promotion of warlike intentions or actions, especially by a government or political leader.

Synonyms

aggressive, belligerent, hostile.

Examples of usage

  • His warmongering rhetoric heightened tensions between the two countries.
  • The warmongering of the dictator led to widespread devastation in the region.
Context #2 | Noun

media

The practice of using language or imagery that encourages or advocates for war.

Synonyms

bellicose, hawkish, war-mongering.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
warmongering

Same as the first entry: describes the act of promoting or inciting war, typically seen in a negative light.

  • Their warmongering rhetoric threatened to destabilize the region.
  • She accused the government of warmongering to distract from domestic issues.
war-mongering

This is an alternative form of 'warmongering' and has the same meaning, usually used in a negative context to criticize those who promote war.

  • The general's war-mongering attitude was condemned by peace activists.
  • Their war-mongering behavior led to unnecessary conflicts.
hawkish

Often refers to politicians or individuals who advocate for a strong military approach and are in favor of war or military intervention.

  • The senator's hawkish views on foreign policy raised eyebrows.
  • His hawkish comments increased tensions in the region.
bellicose

Used to describe a person or a group's aggressive and hostile behavior that seems eager to fight or start conflicts.

  • Her bellicose attitude made negotiations difficult.
  • The leader's bellicose stance worried neighboring countries.

Examples of usage

  • The newspaper was accused of warmongering by publishing inflammatory articles.
  • The documentary exposed the warmongering tactics used by certain politicians.

Translations

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

Interesting Facts

Historical Context

  • The phrase gained prominence during World War I and II, where politicians often used it to describe aggressive tactics.
  • In the Cold War era, leaders and media frequently labeled opponents as warmongers to justify military actions.
  • Historical figures like President Woodrow Wilson and British Prime Minister Winston Churchill faced accusations of warmongering based on their foreign policies.

Psychology of Conflict

  • Warmongering can appeal to primal instincts, like fear and survival, prompting communities to rally around the idea of war.
  • Studies indicate that fear-based messaging often proves more effective than rational arguments in inciting conflict.
  • The phenomenon is often tied to group dynamics, where out-group antagonism is encouraged to strengthen in-group loyalty.

Literature and Media

  • Many dystopian narratives explore themes of warmongering, highlighting the effects of propaganda on society.
  • Authors like George Orwell in '1984' illustrated how states might promote war to unify and control the population.
  • Documentaries often highlight the role of media in shaping public perception of war and the leaders who promote conflict.

Contemporary Relevance

  • In recent years, the term has been used to critique politicians and organizations that seem to profit from war.
  • Social media has amplified accusations of warmongering, as public discourse increasingly questions government motives.
  • Protests against military interventions often feature the term, expressing opposition to leaders perceived as warmongers.

Origin of 'warmongering'

Main points about word origin

  • The term combines 'war,' which dates back to the Old English 'werre,' and 'mongering,' meaning to trade or promote.
  • The word emerged in the 20th century, reflecting the rise of political rhetoric around warfare.
  • Similar terms, like 'flesh-mongering,' show how 'mongering' implies dealing in something harmful or undesirable.

The term 'warmongering' originated in the early 20th century, combining 'war' and 'mongering' (from 'monger', meaning dealer or trader). It gained popularity during times of heightened international tensions and has been used to criticize leaders and governments for their aggressive policies and actions.

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

Word Frequency Rank

Ranking #38,318, 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.