war cry

American  

noun

1. a cry, word, phrase, etc., shouted in charging or in rallying to attack; battle cry.

2. a slogan, phrase, or motto used to unite a political party, rally support for a cause, etc.

---

war cry British  

noun

1. a rallying cry used by combatants in battle

2. a cry, slogan, etc, used to rally support for a cause

---

Etymology

Origin of war cry

First recorded in 1740–50

Example Sentences

“Then there’s a particular part of the end. Yes, the war cry is delightful to sing,” she says, referring to the heroic vocal lick that brings down the curtain on Part 1 of the movie.

From Los Angeles Times

“Warfare” wants to live in the dictionary shoehorned between war cry and war hawk.

From Los Angeles Times

De Veer’s version of the theme eventually made it on-air for the inaugural season of “White Lotus” in 2021 and — thanks in part to its famous warbled war cries — quickly became a hit among fans.

From Los Angeles Times

Local resident Aileen Firth, a human resources officer, said: "Every weekend when you come down the street you will hear the war cry 'there's no money'."

From BBC

He added: "I walked outside and I screamed 'freedom' at the top of my lungs and then gave a good Native American war cry."

From BBC