hot war

noun

1. open military conflict; an armed conflict between nations:

   The increasing tension in the Middle East could lead to a hot war.

Word History and Origins

Origin of hot war¹

First recorded in 1945–50; by analogy with cold war

Example Sentences

As a hot war rages between Russia and Ukraine, there are fears that Europe has slipped into a new Cold War.

From BBC

The US is currently involved in two hot wars, Ukraine and Gaza.

From BBC

But others suggest that Beijing, which has not fought a hot war since 1979, has a regional “salami-slicing” strategy in the region, from the Himalayas to the South and East China Seas.

From Washington Times

China’s rise, and hot wars involving U.S. allies in Ukraine and the Middle East, have raised fresh doubts about Washington’s ability to focus on the Pacific Rim, doubts Mr. Biden sought to dispel.

From Washington Times

Mr. Biden and his team will be meeting with Asian leaders as the White House monitors hot wars in Israel and Ukraine, threatening once again to draw Washington’s attention away from the Pacific.

From Washington Times