Definition

Noun: 1. Cosmetics applied to the face: Makeup or cosmetics worn to enhance or alter one's appearance. 2. Full ceremonial regalia: Formal and elaborate ceremonial dress or attire. 3. Body paint for battle: Pigments applied to the face and body by certain Indigenous peoples of the Americas as adornment and preparation for battle.

Usage Examples

• She applied her war paint meticulously before the important business meeting.
• The diplomat appeared in full war paint for the state ceremony.
• The warriors applied traditional war paint before heading into battle.

Advanced Usage

• Figurative Use: The term is often used metaphorically to describe the act of preparing oneself mentally or physically for a challenging situation, such as putting on makeup or formal clothes before a significant event.
  • Example: "Time to put on my war paint and face the press conference."

Variants and Related Words

• War-paint (hyphenated): An alternative spelling for the noun.
• Makeup (n): A common synonym for the cosmetic sense.
• Regalia (n): A synonym for the ceremonial attire sense.

Synonyms

• For cosmetics: makeup, cosmetics, face paint.
• For regalia: finery, full dress, ceremonial dress.
• For body adornment: body paint, ritual paint.

Related Idioms

• To put on one's war paint: To prepare oneself for a conflict, confrontation, or difficult task.
  • Example: "The negotiation team put on their war paint and entered the boardroom."

Noun

1. cosmetics applied to the face to improve or change your appearance
2. full ceremonial regalia
3. adornment consisting of paint applied to the face and body of certain Amerindians before a battle