holy war

noun

: a war or violent campaign waged often by religious extremists for what is considered to be a holy purpose

Examples of holy war in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
But as Paul starts to meet the prophetic expectations of his most fervent followers, there are signs of a holy war that could have terrible consequences. Scott Tobias, New York Times, 23 Jan. 2025 Absolute Dominion takes place In the year 2063 AD, when the world faces catastrophe as zealots and extremists wage a global holy war in the name of spiritual superiority. Andreas Wiseman, Deadline, 13 Jan. 2025 His speech Sunday was steeped in the language of Islamic holy war. Dominique Soguel, The Christian Science Monitor, 9 Dec. 2024 The Justice Department said Aman wanted to join ISIS to engage in a holy war, or jihad, in Syria. Krystal Nurse, USA TODAY, 7 Nov. 2024 See all Example Sentences for holy war 

Word History

First Known Use

1639, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of holy war was in 1639

Dictionary Entries Near holy war

Cite this Entry

“Holy war.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/holy%20war. Accessed 7 Feb. 2025.

Kids Definition

holy war

noun
: a war or violent campaign carried on for what is considered a holy purpose

More from Merriam-Webster on holy war

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