Post-war

Definition

Post-war refers to the period of time following a war, especially World War II.

Parts of Speech

• Adjective

Pronunciation

American English

• IPA Pronunciation: /ˈpoʊstˌwɔr/
• Respelling: POHST-wawr (with "POHST" as in "post," and "wawr" as in "war")

British English

• IPA Pronunciation: /ˈpəʊstˌwɔː/
• Respelling: POHST-wawr (similar to American English, with "POHST" as in "post," and "wawr" slightly elongated as in "war")

In both dialects, "post-war" places the primary stress on the first syllable, "POHST." The pronunciation reflects typical regional variations in vowel sounds and pronunciation style between American and British English.

Etymology

The term "post-war" is a compound of the prefix "post-", meaning "after", and "war". Its use became especially prevalent after World War II, when it was used to describe the time and conditions following that specific conflict.

Derivatives

• Post-warlike
• Post-warfare
• Pre-post-war (a humorous or ironic reference)
• Post-wartime
• Post-warlord

Synonyms

• Aftermath
• Reconstruction era
• Post-conflict

Antonyms

• Pre-war
• Wartime
• Antebellum

Usage

"Post-war" is often used to describe conditions, eras, or events that took place after major conflicts, especially after World War II. It can refer to societal changes, economic conditions, architectural styles, or other phenomena characteristic of the time following a war.

Related Terms

• Reconstruction
• Cold War (often in reference to the post-WWII era)
• Baby boom
• Marshall Plan
• Demobilization

Detailed Definition

Adjective

• Pertaining to or characteristic of the time following a war, especially World War II.
• Example: "The post-war economic boom led to significant societal changes."

• Occurring or done after a war.
• Example: "Many post-war treaties were established to prevent further conflicts."