C1adjective5K

Post-war

UK /["/ˌpəʊst ˈwɔː(r)/"]/US /["/ˌpəʊst ˈwɔːr/"]/

Definition

existing, happening or made in the period after a war, especially the Second World War

In simple words: The time after a war ends.

Examples

  • the post-war years
  • in post-war Europe
  • post-war reconstruction

Usage notes

Used to describe the period and conditions after a war. Common in historical contexts but can also apply to literature or discussions about social changes.

Grammar pattern

standalone adjective

Memory hint

Think of 'post' as 'after' and 'war' — it’s after the fight.

Collocations

  • post-war reconstruction
  • post-war period
  • post-war society

Synonyms

  • aftermath
  • post-conflict
  • postbellum
  • post-war era

Antonyms

  • pre-war
  • wartime

Common mistakes

  • Confused with 'pre-war', meaning before the war
  • Used incorrectly as a verb
  • Omitting the hyphen in writing