war 
/ˈwoɚ/ noun
plural wars /ˈwoɚ/ noun 1 : a state or period of fighting between countries or groups [count] ▪ They fought a war over the disputed territory. ▪ A war broke out when the colonists demanded their independence. ▪ a nuclear war [=a war fought using nuclear weapons] [noncount] ▪ We need to resolve our conflicts without resorting to war. ▪ People behave differently during a time of war. ▪ War could break out soon. [=a war might start soon] ▪ The two countries were at war (with each other). ▪ The President decided against going to war. [=starting a war with another country] ▪ The taking of American hostages was seen as an act of war by the United States. — often used before another noun ▪ war correspondents/reporters ▪ the war years ▪ his war service — see also civil war, cold war, holy war, prisoner of war, world war 2 : a situation in which people or groups compete with or fight against each other [count] ▪ a class war ▪ countries conducting trade wars ▪ the budget wars in Washington [noncount] ▪ Local politicians were at war [=fighting] with one another over the vacant seat. 3 [count] : an organized effort by a government or other large organization to stop or defeat something that is viewed as dangerous or bad
▪ the war on/against cancer ▪ the war on drugs
▪ the war on/against cancer ▪ the war on drugs
all's fair in love and war — see 1fair
declare war — see declare
this means war
— used to show you are offended by what someone has said or done and want to start a fight with that person ▪ He insulted my girlfriend, and as far as I'm concerned, this means war. ▪ (humorous) Make fun of my car, will you? This means war!
war of nerves — see nerve
war of words — see 1word
— see also tug-of-war
