What does "declare war" mean?

To make a formal pronouncement, or sign a legal document, that initiates a state of war between one nation and another, usually before hostilities begin.

Declare war

Q: What is a synonym for "declare war"?

Common synonyms include: aggressive campaign, announce, attack, challenge, combat, declaration of war.

verb

verb ·Rare ·Advanced level

Definitions

Verb

1
To make a formal pronouncement, or sign a legal document, that initiates a state of war between one nation and another, usually before hostilities begin.
"Germany declared war on France, who reciprocated, on August 3 [1939], and England declared war on Germany on August 4, when Belgium was already under invasion."
2
To announce one's intention to fiercely combat or eradicate something. figuratively
"The governor declared war on poverty."

Synonyms

All synonyms

aggressive campaign announce attack challenge combat declaration of war

Antonyms

All antonyms

ceasefire diplomacy diplomatic approach inaction

Example

More examples

"Germany declared war on France, who reciprocated, on August 3 [1939], and England declared war on Germany on August 4, when Belgium was already under invasion."

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