declare war

Definitions

1. 1

   To make a formal pronouncement, or sign a legal document, that initiates a state of war…

   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. 2

   To announce one's intention to fiercely combat or eradicate something.

   • The governor declared war on poverty.
   • Leo Lillard, a Nashville native attending Tennessee State University, had become involved in the sit-ins as soon as they started. It was no longer just the students, it was clear that the town had declared war on racism.

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