English · Culture & Society
war
/wɔːr/
[/wɔːr/]
armed conflict
Beginnernoun
Definition
A state of armed conflict between countries or groups. It also describes any sustained struggle against something.
Example
The long war finally ended with a treaty that redrew the borders of three nations.
The long war finally ended with a treaty that redrew the borders of three nations.
Etymology
From Old North French 'werre', from a Germanic root meaning 'confusion, strife'.
How & Where It’s Used
A core everyday word in history, politics, and news.
Literary Heritage
Leo Tolstoy's 'War and Peace' (1869) is among the most famous novels exploring the theme.