declare war

Definitions

1. To make a formal pronouncement, or sign a legal document, that initiates a state of war between one nation and another, usually before hostilities begin.
2. To announce one's intention to fiercely combat or eradicate something.
   figuratively

Equivalents

Examples

“Germany declared war on France, who reciprocated, on August 3 [1939], and England declared war on Germany on August 4, when Belgium was already under invasion.”

“The governor declared war on poverty.”

“Leo Lillard, a Nashville native attending Tennessee State University, had become⟳ involved in the sit-ins as soon as they started. It was no longer just the students, it was clear that the town had declared war on racism.”

CEFR level