warpath

[ wawr-path, -pahth ]

noun

, plural war·paths [wawr, -pa, th, z, -pah, th, z, -paths, -pahths].

1. especially historically, the path or course taken by Native Americans on a warlike expedition.

warpath

/ ˈwɔːˌpɑːθ /

noun

1. the route taken by North American Indians on a warlike expedition
2. on the warpath
   1. preparing to engage in battle
   2. in a state of anger

Sensitive Note

See powwow.

Word History and Origins

Origin of warpath¹

An Americanism dating back to 1745–55; war ¹ + path

Idioms and Phrases

Idioms

1. on the warpath, Often Offensive.
   1. seeking, preparing for, or engaged in war or aggressive pursuit.
   2. in a state of anger or indignation; hostile.

More idioms and phrases containing warpath

see on the warpath .

Example Sentences

That may be overly optimistic, but it reflects an enduring reluctance to proceed further down the warpath with Israel.

From Los Angeles Times

Trump’s subject heading for one of his recent violence-inciting fundraising emails reads, “I’m on the warpath.”

From Salon

"If I see any more of this from Trump ... I'm gonna have to go on the warpath," Jones warned.

From Salon

Mr. Pressler and Mr. Paige were on the warpath over what they perceived as liberal trends in doctrine and were putting like-minded people in positions of power.

From New York Times

Elon Musk has been on a seemingly permanent warpath against short sellers of Tesla shares.

From Los Angeles Times

Related Words

• aggression
• animosity
• antagonism
• antipathy
• bitterness
• enmity
• estrangement
• hatred
• ill will
• opposition
• rancor
• resentment
• war