holy war

American  

noun

1. a war waged for what is supposed or proclaimed to be a holy purpose, as the defense of faith.

2. 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.

---

holy war British  

noun

1. a war waged in the cause of a religion

---

Etymology

Origin of holy war

First recorded in 1685–95

Example Sentences

Instead of worldwide holy war, they want to focus on national affairs, building friendly relations with all countries, including non-Muslim powers like the U.S.,

From The Wall Street Journal • Jan. 3, 2026

The word ordinarily means an inner struggle for justice, under traditional Islamic theology, but is also regularly used as a call for holy war by terrorist groups.

From BBC • Jan. 15, 2024

The year is 2065, the same year of that other sci-fi movie now in theaters, “The Creator,” in which the U.S. wages holy war against an AI.

From Los Angeles Times • Oct. 6, 2023

He has said he wishes to treat all religions with respect, including Afro Brazilian faiths, and eschewing religious rivalries or anything resembling holy war.

From Seattle Times • Sep. 27, 2022

The American female Emancipist marches on her holy war under the distinguishing garment of her husband.

From Harper's New Monthly Magazine, Vol. 3, No. 15, August, 1851 by Various