civil war
/'sivlwɔ:/
Học thuậtThân thiện
Definition
- Noun:
- A war between organized groups within the same state or country: "Civil war" specifically refers to an armed conflict between factions, regions, or political groups within a single sovereign entity, typically fighting for control of the government, regional independence, or to change government policies.
Usage Examples
- Noun:
- The American Civil War was fought from 1861 to 1865.
- The country descended into a brutal civil war after the coup.
- Historians study the causes and consequences of the Spanish Civil War.
Advanced Usage
"To be plunged into civil war": to suddenly enter a state of internal armed conflict.
- The nation was plunged into civil war following the disputed election.
"A civil war breaks out": an internal war begins.
- A civil war broke out when the rebel army seized the northern provinces.
"To end a civil war": to bring an internal conflict to a conclusion.
- The peace treaty aimed to end the decade-long civil war.
Variants and Related Words
- Civil conflict: A term sometimes used interchangeably with or to describe a less intense or formalized internal war.
- Internecine war: A war that causes great destruction within a country or group.
- Secession war: A type of civil war where a region fights to break away and become independent.
Synonyms
- Internal war: A war within a country.
- Intrastate war: A war occurring within a single state (a formal academic term).
Related Phrases
- Proxy civil war: A civil war where external powers support different sides, making it a proxy conflict.
- Some analysts described the conflict as a proxy civil war fueled by foreign interests.
Related Idioms
- "A house divided": A situation of internal conflict or disagreement within a group, often alluding to the risk of civil strife. (This idiom is famously associated with discussions about civil war).
- The political party, a house divided, feared its disputes could lead to greater instability.
Noun
- a war between factions in the same country