state of war

American  

noun

1. a condition marked by armed conflict between or among states, existing whether or not war has been declared formally by any of the belligerents.

2. a legal condition initiated and concluded by formal declaration, and not necessarily involving armed conflict.

3. the duration of such a condition.

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state of war British  

noun

1. a period of armed conflict between states, regardless of whether or not war has been officially declared

2. a legal condition begun by a declaration of war and ended formally, during which the rules of international law applicable to warfare may be invoked

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Etymology

Origin of state of war

First recorded in 1945–50

Example Sentences

Lebanon and Israel are still technically in a state of war, but all the recent armed conflicts with Israel were fought by Hezbollah, not the Lebanese military.

From Barron's

With large parts of Myanmar under opposition control and in a state of war, holding this election is a formidable logistical exercise for the country's military rulers.

From BBC

It was, he said, an example of Ukraine's ability to investigate and prosecute war crimes impartially, despite being the victim and under an ongoing state of war from the aggressor.

From BBC

Sinha merges the depressing and inspiring in her recounting of Reconstruction, when the U.S. emerged from a state of war as a flawed but budding multiracial democracy.

From Salon

He pulled a paper from his pocket and handed Sazonov a declaration stating that because of Russia’s continued mobilization, a state of war now existed between Russia and Germany.

From Literature