war

war

war¹ [wôr]

n.

[ME werre < NormFr < Frank * werra, confusion, strife, akin ? to OHG (fir)werran, to confuse < ?]

1. open armed conflict between countries or between factions within the same country

2. any active hostility, contention, or struggle; conflict [the war against disease]

3. Obs. a battle

4. military operations as a profession or science

adj.

of, used in, or resulting from war

vi.

warred, warring

1. to carry on war; engage in military conflict

2. to be in a state of hostility or contention; contend; strive

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at war

in a state of active armed conflict

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declare war on or declare war

1. to make a formal declaration of being at war (with)

2. to announce one's hostility (to)

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go to war

1. to enter into a war

2. to become a member of the armed forces during a war

war² [wär]

adj., adv.

[ME < ON verre, adj., verr, adv.; akin to OHG werran, to confuse] [Scot. or North Eng.] WORSE