hot war

American  

noun

1. open military conflict; an armed conflict between nations.

   The increasing tension in the Middle East could lead to a hot war.

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Etymology

Origin of hot war

First recorded in 1945–50; by analogy with cold war

Compare meaning

How does hot-war compare to similar and commonly confused words? Explore the most common comparisons:

• cold war vs. hot war

Example Sentences

"It's a little similar to the Cold War. But now it's more of a hot war with the West," he said.

From Barron's

As a hot war rages between Russia and Ukraine, there are fears that Europe has slipped into a new Cold War.

From BBC

The US is currently involved in two hot wars, Ukraine and Gaza.

From BBC

But others suggest that Beijing, which has not fought a hot war since 1979, has a regional “salami-slicing” strategy in the region, from the Himalayas to the South and East China Seas.

From Washington Times

China’s rise, and hot wars involving U.S. allies in Ukraine and the Middle East, have raised fresh doubts about Washington’s ability to focus on the Pacific Rim, doubts Mr. Biden sought to dispel.

From Washington Times