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

San Francisco — San Francisco Opera’s hit new opera, Huang Ruo’s “The Monkey King,” which had its final performance Sunday at War Memorial Opera House, quickly became the hottest show in town, all its performances sold out.

From Los Angeles Times

He has been testifying as a defendant in his trial since last December while Israel has been at war, and hasn’t been convicted.

From The Wall Street Journal

“We’re not at war, but we no longer live in peacetime.”

From The Wall Street Journal

Eleven months later, after Hitler broke his vow and invaded Poland, Europe was at war.

From Salon

With Russia still at war in Ukraine and the White House wavering on how far it will go to help Kyiv, Chancellor Friedrich Merz has pledged to ramp up military spending.

From Barron's