Definition

1. 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

1. a war between factions in the same country