go to war

Thân thiện

The two nations go to war over the disputed territory.

Definition

1. Verb:
   • To begin fighting a war: The phrase "go to war" means to formally start or enter into a state of armed conflict against another nation, group, or entity. It signifies the commencement of hostilities.

Usage

• The phrase is used to describe the official act of a country or group initiating or joining a war.
• It is typically used with a subject (e.g., a nation, an alliance) and can be followed by "against," "with," or "over" to specify the opponent or cause.
• Example:
• Example:

Examples

• Verb:
  • The king's decision to go to war was unpopular with the people.
  • They were forced to go to war to defend their sovereignty.
  • The two nations went to war over the disputed territory.

Advanced Usage

• "to go to war with": To enter into conflict against a specific adversary.
  • The empire went to war with its rebellious provinces.
• "to go to war over": To start a war because of a specific issue or principle.
  • Few believed the issue was important enough to go to war over.

Variants and Related Words

• Warfare (n): The engagement in or the activities involved in war.
• Wage war (v. phrase): To carry on or fight a war. This is a close synonym but often implies the ongoing conduct of war rather than just its commencement.
  • The general was tasked with waging war effectively.

Synonyms

• Declare war: To make a formal announcement of the beginning of a state of war.
• Take up arms: To prepare for and engage in fighting.

Related Phrases

• Go on the warpath: To become very angry and ready to argue or fight (idiomatic, not literal warfare).
  • When the manager saw the report, he went on the warpath.

Notes

• The phrase "go to war" specifically refers to the initial act of entering a state of war. It is distinct from phrases describing the continuation or conduct of war, such as "wage war" or "be at war."

Học thuật

Verb

1. commence hostilities

Từ đồng nghĩa

• take arms
• take up arms