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

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

From BBC • Aug. 14, 2024

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

From Washington Times • Jan. 1, 2023

Engaging in a war of nerves with speculators is among the few options left for policymakers, particularly with the central bank showing no intention of hiking interest rates.

From Reuters • Oct. 24, 2022

Optimists say both sides are posturing, that it is a war of nerves, not missiles, and that all-out conflict is unlikely.

From The Guardian • May 18, 2019

He found little comfort, though, in the ever continuing war of nerves.

From The Land of Look Behind by Brown, Paul Cameron