declare war
The phrase "declare war" refers to an official announcement made by a government or authority to initiate a state of conflict, either literally or metaphorically.
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Definition
C1International Relations
(formal, legal)To officially announce the beginning of armed conflict with another nation or group.
Example
- The president decided to declare war after the peace talks failed.
B2General
(figurative)To announce an intent to strongly oppose or eradicate a particular issue or challenge.
Example
- The government has declared war on poverty, aiming to reduce it significantly in the next decade.
Similar
Terms that have similar or relatively close meanings to "declare war":