Definition

Proper noun A major international military conflict that began in August 1990 when Iraq invaded and annexed Kuwait, leading to a coalition of forces, authorized by the United Nations and led by the United States, to intervene and liberate Kuwait. The primary combat phase occurred in January and February of 1991.

Usage

This term is used as a specific historical reference to the 1990-1991 conflict. It is often capitalized as a proper noun. * The Persian Gulf War demonstrated the effectiveness of precision-guided munitions. * Many veterans served during the Persian Gulf War. * A key diplomatic goal was building a coalition for the Persian Gulf War.

Advanced Usage

• The term is sometimes used to distinguish this conflict from the later Iraq War (2003-2011), which may be referred to as the Second Persian Gulf War by some historians.
• The Persian Gulf War is also commonly called Gulf War I or the First Gulf War in historical and military contexts to create a chronological sequence.

Variants and Related Words

• Gulf War: A common shortened form.
• First Gulf War: Used to specify this conflict in relation to later wars in the region.
• Operation Desert Storm: The codename for the major combat phase of the conflict.
• Iraq-Kuwait War: A less common alternative focusing on the primary belligerents.

Synonyms

• Gulf War
• First Gulf War

Related Phrases

• Post-Persian Gulf War syndrome: A term sometimes used in discussions about chronic illnesses reported by some veterans of the conflict.
• Persian Gulf War veteran: A person who served in the armed forces during this war.

Noun

1. a war fought between Iraq and a coalition led by the United States that freed Kuwait from Iraqi invaders; 1990-1991