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war

WOR/wɔɹ/WAW/wɔː/

Pluralwars

Verbwars, warring, warred

9 meanings of war

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  1. 1
    military conflictnouncountable
    A period of fighting with weapons between countries or large groups.

    The war between the two countries lasted almost ten years.

    Many soldiers died in that war before peace was agreed.

    UsageCountries are at war or go to war.

    Similarconflict, warfare, fighting, hostilities

    Oppositepeace

    Note
  2. 2
    campaignnouncountable or uncountable
    A long, organized effort to fight against a problem in society, like poverty or crime.

    The government declared war on poverty in the 1960s.

    Activists waged a long war against pollution in their city.

    UsageSay a war on something, like poverty or crime.

    Similarcampaign, crusade, drive, fight, battle

    Note
  3. 3
    nouncountable
    A long and bitter fight or argument that does not involve weapons.

    Getting my son to eat vegetables has become a long war.

    What began as a small dispute grew into all-out war between the departments.

    Similarbattle, struggle, conflict, feud, fight

    Oppositepeace

  4. 4
    nouncountable or uncountable
    A long, fierce fight between businesses trying to win more customers or sales.

    Like two shops cutting prices lower and lower to win shoppers.

    The two airlines fought a bitter war over ticket prices.

    Streaming services are locked in a war for new subscribers.

    UsageSay a price war.

    Similarbattle, rivalry, competition, fight

    Note
  5. 5
    verbintransitive
    To fight a war or a long struggle against someone.

    Rival clans still war over grazing rights in the hills.

    The two kingdoms warred with each other for a generation.

    UsageWrite warred and warring with two r's.

    Similarfight, battle, clash, feud

    Note

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Origin

It came through Middle and Old English from Old Northern French werre, going back to a Frankish word meaning "confusion" or "quarrel." It slowly replaced older English words for "war."

Checked 31 Oct 2026 · 3 facts

  • War came through Middle English and Old English from Old Northern French werre. en.wiktionary.org
  • The word ultimately comes from a reconstructed Frankish word meaning confusion or quarrel. en.wiktionary.org
  • War gradually replaced older English words for war. en.wiktionary.org