War

Definition

War refers to a state of armed conflict between different nations, states, or groups, typically involving significant violence, destruction, and disruption.

Parts of Speech

• Noun
• Verb (archaic)

Pronunciation

American English

• IPA Pronunciation: /wɔr/
• Respelling: WOR

British English

• IPA Pronunciation: /wɔː/
• Respelling: WAWR

Etymology

The word "war" originates from Old English "werre," borrowed from Old French "guerre," which came from Frankish "*werra," meaning "to confuse" or "to bring into disorder." The root traces back to Proto-Germanic "*werran," meaning "to confuse."

Derivatives

• Warlike (adjective)
• Warrior (noun)
• Warmonger (noun)
• Warfare (noun)
• Warpath (noun)

Synonyms

• Conflict
• Battle
• Combat

Antonyms

• Peace
• Tranquility
• Harmony

Usage

The noun "war" is commonly used to describe conflicts involving military forces, as in "The country has been at war for decades." The term can also be applied metaphorically, as in "A war on poverty."

Related Terms

• Armistice: An agreement to stop fighting temporarily.
• Treaty: A formal agreement between parties, often ending a war.
• Campaign: A series of military operations intended to achieve a goal.

Detailed Definitions

Noun

• An armed conflict between nations or groups: Refers to a large-scale and organized conflict involving armed forces.
  • Example: "World War II was one of the deadliest conflicts in history."
• A state of active hostility or competition: Refers to intense rivalry or conflict, not necessarily involving physical combat.
  • Example: "The two companies are engaged in a price war."

Verb (archaic)

• To engage in war or conflict: Refers to actively participating in armed conflict.
  • Example: "The tribes warred for control of the land."