war footing

noun

1. the condition or status of a military force or other organization when operating under a state of war or as if a state of war existed.

Word History and Origins

Origin of war footing¹

First recorded in 1890–95

Example Sentences

The country wasn’t really on a war footing, but it was getting there and it certainly wasn’t on a voluntary basis.

From Time

If there is a single mantra that seems to be guiding Powell and the Federal Reserve leadership, it’s that this Fed is on a war footing.

From Time

Since ISIS stormed the city of Mosul bordering Iraqi Kurdistan last week, the Kurds have been on a war footing.

From The Daily Beast

Obama may have his chance to take America off of a war footing.

From The Daily Beast

“America must move off a permanent war footing,” Obama said in his address to Congress Tuesday.

From The Daily Beast

Such a reinforcement of the French navy would put it again on a war footing.

From Project Gutenberg

In Europe great armies are organized and kept upon a war footing for police duty.

From Project Gutenberg

Using every man of what reserves we've got, there's about enough to man the fleet on a war footing, and no more.

From Project Gutenberg

The king withdrew his troops from the seacoast, and began to put his army upon a good war-footing.

From Project Gutenberg

But if the whole of Austria is on a war footing, what chance would we have to continue our lovely voyage?

From Project Gutenberg