war of nerves

noun

1. a conflict using psychological techniques, as propaganda, threats, and false rumors, rather than direct violence, in order to confuse, thwart, or intimidate an enemy.

war of nerves

noun

1. the use of psychological tactics against an opponent, such as shattering his morale by the use of propaganda

Word History and Origins

Origin of war of nerves¹

First recorded in 1935–40

Idioms and Phrases

A conflict characterized by psychological pressure such as threats and rumors, aiming to undermine an enemy's morale. For example, Her lawyer said the university had waged a war of nerves to persuade his client to resign . This expression alludes to tactics used in World War II. [Late 1930s]