Definition

Proper noun 1. A legendary conflict in Greek mythology: The Trojan War refers to a major, decade-long war waged by a coalition of Greek states against the city of Troy. The central cause was the abduction of Helen, wife of the Greek king Menelaus, by the Trojan prince Paris. The war concluded with the Greek stratagem of the Trojan Horse, leading to Troy's sack and destruction.

Examples of Usage

• Trojan War
• Trojan War.
• Trojan War.

Advanced Usage

• "the Trojan War" as a cultural reference: The term is often used metaphorically to describe any prolonged, costly conflict or a deceptive strategy leading to downfall.
  • The corporate takeover was a modern Trojan War, ending with a surprise merger.
• Prepositional use: Commonly follows prepositions like .
  • The events of the Trojan War are epic.
  • Achilles died during the Trojan War.

Variants and Related Words

• Trojan (adjective/noun): Of or relating to Troy or its people. (e.g., , ).
• Trojan Horse (noun phrase): 1) The deceptive wooden construct used to end the war. 2) Any person or thing that subverts from within.

Synonyms

• The War against Troy
• The Siege of Troy

Related Idioms and Phrases

• "Beware of Greeks bearing gifts": A proverb directly stemming from the Trojan War story, warning against trusting enemies who offer presents. It references the Trojan Horse.
• "Achilles' heel": While referring to a specific hero's weakness, this idiom originates from the narrative of the Trojan War.
• "The face that launched a thousand ships": A poetic reference to Helen of Troy, whose abduction was the catalyst for the war.

Noun

1. (Greek mythology) a great war fought between Greece and Troy; the Greeks sailed to Troy to recover Helen of Troy, the beautiful wife of Menelaus who had been abducted by Paris; after ten years the Greeks (via the Trojan Horse) achieved final victory and burned Troy to the ground
   • the story of the Trojan War is told in Homer's Iliad