at war

Idioms  

1. Engaged in armed conflict; also, in a state of disagreement. This term may be used literally, usually of nations or smaller groups engaged in armed hostilities, as well as hyperbolically, describing a mild disagreement as “war,” and figuratively, for an inner conflict. For example, The Greeks and Turks have been at war for many years (literally); The two families were at war about the bill for the wedding reception (hyperbolic); and, as Shakespeare put it in Measure for Measure (2:2): “I am at war 'twixt will and will not” (inner conflict of indecision). [Late 1300s]

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Example Sentences

Alan Allport ends his enormous, two-volume history of a people at war with a poignant note, a love letter that Royal Air Force Flight Sgt.

From The Wall Street Journal

In only a few volumes Alan Allport has become the historian of Britain at war.

From The Wall Street Journal

The UN has previously urged countries and armed groups at war to avoid using powerful bombs in highly populated areas because of the danger to civilian lives.

From BBC

After years at war – or performing military service as it were – they’re back to pick up where they left off with their lives, music and fans.

From Salon

Remember that in 1943, we were at war.

From Los Angeles Times