C1noun3K

Warfare

UK /["/ˈwɔːfeə(r)/"]/US /["/ˈwɔːrfer/"]/

Definition

the activity of fighting a war, especially using particular weapons or methods

In simple words: The activity of fighting in wars.

Examples

  • **air/naval/guerrilla warfare**
  • countries engaged in warfare
  • The rebels waged guerrilla warfare against the army.
  • warfare against other tribes
  • The fighting quickly turned into full-scale guerrilla warfare.
  • **gang warfare**
  • The debate soon degenerated into open warfare.
  • warfare between gangs

Usage notes

Used in discussions about military conflicts or strategies. Not appropriate for casual conversations or non-serious contexts. Preferable in historical or academic settings.

Grammar pattern

standalone noun

Memory hint

Think of 'war' in 'warfare' as a fight for air — imagine soldiers battling on a battle field.

Collocations

  • open
  • conventional
  • modern
  • conduct
  • engage in
  • wage
  • warfare  against
  • warfare  between
  • open
  • conventional
  • modern
  • conduct
  • engage in
  • wage
  • warfare  against
  • warfare  between

Synonyms

  • combat
  • conflict
  • battle
  • fighting
  • hostilities

Antonyms

  • peace
  • truce

Common mistakes

  • Confused with 'warfare' and 'war fare' (food during a war)
  • Omitting the context of military or combat when using the term
  • Using 'war' interchangeably with 'warfare' without recognizing differences in meaning