hostilities
Noun (plural): 1. Acts of war; armed conflict between nations or groups: Refers to the state or condition of being actively engaged in fighting, typically involving military forces. This is the primary meaning. 2. A state of enmity or antagonism that leads to fighting: Can describe the formal commencement or existence of a war or serious conflict.
The word "hostilities" is almost always used in its plural form. It is a formal term, common in political, military, and historical contexts to describe the active fighting phase of a conflict, as opposed to the periods of tension or ceasefire that may surround it. * It often follows verbs like begin, cease, resume, end, or break out. * It is commonly modified by adjectives like open, armed, full-scale, or renewed.
- The peace treaty aimed to bring an end to all hostilities.
- Hostilities broke out along the border at dawn.
- A fragile ceasefire was declared, but there are fears that hostilities could resume.
- The period of open hostilities lasted for three years.
- "The suspension of hostilities": A formal pause or temporary stop in fighting, often leading to ceasefire negotiations.
- The UN called for an immediate suspension of hostilities to allow humanitarian aid to reach civilians.
- "To be in a state of hostilities": To be formally engaged in war or active conflict.
- The two nations have been in a state of hostilities for decades.
- Hostile (adjective): Showing or feeling opposition or unfriendliness; belonging to a military enemy.
- a hostile attitude; hostile territory.
- Hostility (noun, uncountable): Unfriendly or antagonistic behavior or feelings. (Note: This is the singular, often more abstract form).
- He faced open hostility from the crowd.
- Warfare: The waging of war, military conflict.
- Combat: Active fighting between armed forces.
- Armed conflict: A contested incompatibility involving the use of armed force.
- Fighting: The act of engaging in a physical struggle.
- Peace: A state or period where there is no war or conflict.
- Ceasefire: A temporary suspension of fighting.
- Truce: An agreement between enemies to stop fighting for a certain time.
- Armistice: A formal agreement to stop fighting, often a prelude to peace.
- fighting; acts of overt warfare
- the outbreak of hostilities