Definition

Noun: 1. A yell or shout used by soldiers in battle to encourage each other and frighten the enemy. It is a loud, often rhythmic call made during a charge or attack. 2. A slogan or phrase used to unite people and rally support for a cause, movement, or campaign. It is a catchphrase that summarizes a group's purpose or goal.

Examples

• As a battle cry:
  • The warriors let out a terrifying war cry as they charged down the hill.
  • The sound of the enemy's war cry echoed across the valley.
• As a rallying slogan:
  • "Liberty, equality, fraternity" became the war cry of the French Revolution.
  • The candidate's war cry of "Change now!" energized her supporters.

Advanced Usage

• Metaphorical Use: In modern contexts, "war cry" is often used metaphorically to describe any passionate declaration of intent or principle at the start of a difficult effort.
  • Her speech was a war cry for educational reform.

Variants and Related Words

• Battle cry: A direct synonym, often used interchangeably with "war cry," especially for the military sense.
• Rallying cry: Very similar to the second definition, emphasizing the function of uniting people around an idea. (e.g., )
• Watchword: A word or phrase that expresses a principle or guide to action; it is often used as a synonym for a rallying slogan. (e.g., )
• Slogan: A short, memorable phrase used in advertising or politics, closely related to the second definition of "war cry."

Synonyms

• For the battle yell: Battle cry, war whoop, shout, yell.
• For the rallying slogan: Rallying cry, slogan, motto, catchphrase, watchword.

Related Phrases

• A cry to arms: A call for people to prepare for or join a fight or conflict, literal or figurative. This phrase is closely linked to the concept of a "war cry."
  • The editorial was a passionate cry to arms for environmental protection.

Noun

1. a yell intended to rally a group of soldiers in battle
2. a slogan used to rally support for a cause
   • a cry to arms
   • our watchword will be `democracy'