Warring Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

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warring

[ˈwɔːrɪŋ ]

Definition

Context #1 | Verb

conflict or battle

Warring refers to engaging in war or conflict. It denotes a situation where parties, often nations or groups, are in a state of armed conflict with each other. The term encompasses military actions, strategies, and the broader impacts of war. Warring can also imply ongoing disputes that may not be confined to traditional warfare, including ideological or political struggles.

Synonyms

battling, combatting, conflicting, fighting.

Examples of usage

  • The two countries have been warring for decades.
  • Warring factions continued to fight despite the peace talks.
  • Their warring attitudes prevent any form of cooperation.

Translations

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Interesting Facts

Historical Context

  • Many ancient civilizations, like the Greeks and Romans, often engaged in conflicts to gain power or resources.
  • The concept of warring has shaped national borders, with countless battles fought over land and ideals throughout history.
  • In the medieval period, knights would often go to war in tournaments to prove their skill and bravery.

Literature

  • Literature often depicts warring as a tragic yet noble pursuit, exemplified in Homer’s 'The Iliad', which revolves around the Trojan War.
  • Shakespeare's works frequently explore themes of conflict and warring factions, like in 'Henry V'.
  • The phrase 'the war of the roses' refers to a series of English civil wars between two families for the throne, inspiring numerous historical novels and dramas.

Psychology

  • Conflicts can arise not only between groups but also internally within individuals, leading to emotional turmoil.
  • Studies suggest that prolonged warring, whether social or personal, can affect mental health and relationships.
  • Understanding the psychology of warring helps in conflict resolution, emphasizing empathy and communication.

Pop Culture

  • Movies like 'Braveheart' and 'Gladiator' showcase historical warring and its impact on culture and identity.
  • Video games often revolve around warring factions, allowing players to engage in strategic battles, like in 'Call of Duty' or 'Starcraft'.
  • In popular music, songs often reflect on the experiences of warring, such as peace anthems during the Vietnam War.

Science

  • Research in sociology studies how societies manage warring, looking at causes, effects, and resolutions.
  • Ecological studies explore warring in nature, such as animal territorial disputes that are key to survival.
  • In evolutionary biology, the concept of competition is akin to warring, where species fight for resources in a struggle for existence.

Origin of 'warring'

The word 'warring' originates from the Middle English term 'werre', derived from the Old English 'werre', which means 'war'. This, in turn, can be traced back to the Proto-Germanic *werzō, denoting a state of conflict or violence. Over centuries, the meaning evolved to describe not only the literal combat of armies but also the broader concept of engagement in conflict, including political and social struggles. 'Warring' in its present form began being used in the late Middle Ages, when Europe faced numerous conflicts, and it became more widely adopted in literature and historical texts. With the expansion of imperialism and modern warfare, the word gained additional connotations related to power struggles and the complexities of geopolitical relations.


Word Frequency Rank

With rank #17,340, this word belongs to specialized vocabulary. While not common in everyday speech, it enriches your ability to express complex ideas.