state of war

noun

1. a condition marked by armed conflict between or among states, existing whether or not war has been declared formally by any of the belligerents.
2. a legal condition initiated and concluded by formal declaration, and not necessarily involving armed conflict.
3. the duration of such a condition.

state of war

noun

1. a period of armed conflict between states, regardless of whether or not war has been officially declared
2. a legal condition begun by a declaration of war and ended formally, during which the rules of international law applicable to warfare may be invoked

Word History and Origins

Origin of state of war¹

First recorded in 1945–50

Example Sentences

He pulled a paper from his pocket and handed Sazonov a declaration stating that because of Russia’s continued mobilization, a state of war now existed between Russia and Germany.

From Literature

But another said: "Iranians themselves are in a state of war with the current regime. We harbour no animosity towards any nation, including Israel."

From BBC

"A lot of video games mainly portray Arabs as either terrorists or in a constant state of war, which is really unfair," she says.

From BBC

Or leaders, when you look at Hamas, who calculate that an endless state of war serves their interests.

From Salon

But we don’t want to be in a state of war when we’re going to a Super Bowl event or elementary school.

From Seattle Times