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

See Examples For:

state of war

The neighboring states "declare their intent to conclusively end the conflict, address its underlying causes, and to therewith formally conclude any state of war between them."

From Barron's ● Jun. 27, 2026

Israel and Lebanon have technically been in a state of war since 1948 and the two countries do not have diplomatic relations.

From BBC ● Apr. 17, 2026

This is a nation in which military service is near universal for both sexes and a state of war has been continuous for 2½ years.

From The Wall Street Journal ● Apr. 7, 2026

“A state of war is not a blank check for the President,” said Justice Sandra Day O’Connor in 2004.

From Los Angeles Times ● Mar. 28, 2025

And when she came home and forgot about things—like Aru’s chess games or choir practice—it wasn’t because she didn’t care, but because she was too busy juggling the state of war and peace and art.

From "Aru Shah and the End of Time" by Roshani Chokshi