sitzkrieg

[ sits-kreeg, zits- ]

noun

1. slow-moving warfare marked by repeated stalemate.

sitzkrieg

/ ˈzɪts-; ˈsɪtsˌkriːɡ /

noun

1. a period during a war in which both sides change positions very slowly or not at all

Word History and Origins

Origin of sitzkrieg¹

1935–40; < German, equivalent to sitz ( en ) to sit ¹ + Krieg war; modeled on blitzkrieg

Word History and Origins

Origin of sitzkrieg¹

C20: from German, from sitzen to sit + Krieg war

Example Sentences

This Democratic sitzkrieg isn’t likely to work.

From Wall Street Journal

But you don’t have an image of Jurgen Klummsdorf or Hans Sitzkrieg in your mind, do you?

From Forbes

One senior military officer who favors Pakistani military action sooner derisively called that option “sitzkrieg,” Mr. Nawaz said.

From New York Times

As sitzkrieg turned to blitzkrieg, however, the 28-country alliance proved to be more than international window dressing.

From Time Magazine Archive

The entire coalition could come unglued if the sitzkrieg continues much longer.

From Time Magazine Archive