war of nerves

American  

noun

1. a conflict using psychological techniques, as propaganda, threats, and false rumors, rather than direct violence, in order to confuse, thwart, or intimidate an enemy.

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war of nerves British  

noun

1. the use of psychological tactics against an opponent, such as shattering his morale by the use of propaganda

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war of nerves Idioms  

1. A conflict characterized by psychological pressure such as threats and rumors, aiming to undermine an enemy's morale. For example, Her lawyer said the university had waged a war of nerves to persuade his client to resign. This expression alludes to tactics used in World War II. [Late 1930s]

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Etymology

Origin of war of nerves

First recorded in 1935–40

Example Sentences

Blouin described the events as a "war of nerves", with traitors "organising everywhere".

From BBC

And for once many in Israel, Lebanon and Iran have something in common - a war of nerves.

From BBC

In this hybrid war of nerves fought around islands, islets, reefs and fishing grounds, the “Christmas Convoy” embraces some of the “grey zone” military tactics that China pioneered.

From Washington Times

While no further drone intrusions have been registered, balloon launches have in fact been serious business in the war of nerves on the tense, divided Korean peninsula.

From Washington Times

This weekend’s developments come one week after the North opened a new front in the peninsula’s war of nerves.

From Washington Times