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View synonyms for casus belli

casus belli

[key-suhs bel-ahy, bel-ee, kah-soos bel-lee]

noun

plural

casus belli 
  1. an event or political occurrence that brings about a declaration of war.



casus belli

/ ˈkɑːsʊs ˈbɛliː /

noun

  1. an event or act used to justify a war

  2. the immediate cause of a quarrel

“Collins English Dictionary — Complete & Unabridged” 2012 Digital Edition © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012
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Word History and Origins

Origin of casus belli1

1840–50; < New Latin: literally, occurrence of war
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Word History and Origins

Origin of casus belli1

literally: occasion of war

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