holy war
a war waged for what is supposed or proclaimed to be a holy purpose, as the defense of faith.
any disagreement or argument between fanatical proponents of radically differing beliefs, opinions, etc.: a holy war on the merits of rival computer operating systems; a holy war about welfare reform.
Origin of holy war
1Words Nearby holy war
Dictionary.com Unabridged Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2024
How to use holy war in a sentence
Many of the plots are fresh, dedicated to locals who died fighting their holy war against U.S. and Afghan troops.
Heart of Darkness: Into Afghanistan’s Taliban Valley | Matt Trevithick, Daniel Seckman | November 15, 2014 | THE DAILY BEASTThis “holy war” expends young men faster than mortar rounds.
The Secret Life of an ISIS Warlord | Will Cathcart, Vazha Tavberidze, Nino Burchuladze | October 27, 2014 | THE DAILY BEASTAnd then, Jehad, a man whose very name has become synonymous with “holy war,” says something that lights a tiny spark of hope.
They have sought to wage what they see as holy war wherever they think they stand the greatest chance of glory and “martyrdom.”
Nairobi Mall Attack: Al Shabaab’s Scandinavian Connection | Christopher Dickey | October 19, 2013 | THE DAILY BEASTHere's a long excerpt, with my emphasis: Would we name our children Warrior, Conqueror, Sword, or holy war?
Islamophobe With Militarist Name Attacks Muslims For Militarist Names | Ali Gharib | April 12, 2013 | THE DAILY BEAST
Our priests then preached a holy war; we have defended ourselves, and we shall continue to do so.
The Pilgrim's Shell or Fergan the Quarryman | Eugne SueI got a report that the priests are preaching a holy war among the Malay and Dyak Mohammedans.
The Argus Pheasant | John Charles BeechamThe Punjab up in arms whole of the Punjab revolted and a holy war was proclaimed against England.
A History of the Nineteenth Century, Year by Year | Edwin EmersonEvery recruit wore a red cross, and was called croisé,--cross-bearer; whence the name of the holy war.
Beacon Lights of History, Volume V | John LordTheir wars became less and less the holy war of freedom, and more and more like the aggressive wars of the ancient rgime.
The Outline of History: Being a Plain History of Life and Mankind | Herbert George Wells
British Dictionary definitions for holy war
a war waged in the cause of a religion
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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