Definitions for the word "war" from multiple English dictionaries.
1. a.
Ware; aware.
Source: The 1913 Webster Unabridged Dictionary, 1913
2. n.
A contest between nations or states, carried on by force, whether for defence, for revenging insults and redressing wrongs, for the extension of commerce, for the acquisition of territory, for obtaining and establishing the superiority and dominion of one over the other, or for any other purpose; armed conflict of sovereign powers; declared and open hostilities.
Source: The 1913 Webster Unabridged Dictionary, 1913
3. n.
A condition of belligerency to be maintained by physical force. In this sense, levying war against the sovereign authority is treason.
Source: The 1913 Webster Unabridged Dictionary, 1913
4. n.
Instruments of war.
Source: The 1913 Webster Unabridged Dictionary, 1913
5. n.
Forces; army.
Source: The 1913 Webster Unabridged Dictionary, 1913
6. n.
The profession of arms; the art of war.
Source: The 1913 Webster Unabridged Dictionary, 1913
7. n.
a state of opposition or contest; an act of opposition; an inimical contest, act, or action; enmity; hostility.
Source: The 1913 Webster Unabridged Dictionary, 1913
8. v. i.
To make war; to invade or attack a state or nation with force of arms; to carry on hostilities; to be in a state by violence.
Source: The 1913 Webster Unabridged Dictionary, 1913
9. v. i.
To contend; to strive violently; to fight.
Source: The 1913 Webster Unabridged Dictionary, 1913
10. v. t.
To make war upon; to fight.
Source: The 1913 Webster Unabridged Dictionary, 1913
11. v. t.
To carry on, as a contest; to wage.
Source: The 1913 Webster Unabridged Dictionary, 1913
12. n.
1 a armed hostilities between esp. Nations; conflict. B specific instance or period of this. C suspension of international law etc. During this. 2 hostility or contention between people, groups, etc. 3 (often foll. By on) sustained campaign against crime, poverty, etc. v. (-rr-) 1 (as warring adj.) Rival; fighting. 2 make war. at war (often foll. By with) engaged in a war. Go to war declare or begin a war.
Source: Oxford English Dictionary, 1884
Dictionary entries nearby:
Additional Info
This page provides a list of definitions and meanings for "war" from various historical English dictionaries. By displaying multiple definitions, you can compare and
contrast different meanings and nuances of a word, phrase, or slang. You can also see the changes in meaning of "war" over time by viewing the definitions from different dictionaries published at different times in history.
The page also includes other information to help users expand their vocabulary and understand the context of the word.
Important Notes
The definitions for words, phrases and slang (such as "war") in this dictionary are sourced from multiple sources - including sources historical in nature. The sources may contain outdated, inaccurate or even offensive information when viewed from a modern context. It is important to consider the date the dictionary was published and view such content from a historical perspective and consider that the meanings, interpretations and usage of words may have evolved over time. Users should cross-reference this information with contemporary sources for a more complete understanding.
This website is not affiliated with or endorsed by any brands mentioned on the page. Trademarks and logos are the property of their respective owners and are used for identification purposes only.