go to war
The phrase "go to war" is used both literally and figuratively to describe engaging in intense conflict or combat.
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Definition
B2Military
(literal)To engage in armed conflict with another nation or group.
Example
- The country decided to go to war after diplomatic efforts failed.
B2Military
(literal)To leave one's home to join an army or participate in a military campaign.
Example
- Many young men went to war during the early 20th century.
B2General
(figurative)To engage in a fierce argument or dispute.
Example
- The two companies went to war over the patent rights.
Similar
Terms that have similar or relatively close meanings to "go to war":
declare warat wargo to workcall to armsact of wargo to batgo to the wallwar gamego togo to hellgo atmake peacego forthholy warto go