holy war

holy war
1. a war waged for what is supposed or proclaimed to be a holy purpose, as the defense of faith.
2. any disagreement or argument between fanatical proponents of radically differing beliefs, opinions, etc.: a holy war on the merits of rival computer operating systems; a holy war about welfare reform.
[1685-95]

* * *

Any war fought by divine command or for a primarily religious purpose.

The concept is found in the Bible (e.g., the Book of Joshua) and has played a role in many religions. The Crusades are Europe's best-known example. In Islam, the concept is called jihad. Wars in which religion plays a secondary or exacerbating role are not generally called holy wars.

* * *

▪ religious concept
      any war fought by divine command or for a religious purpose. The concept of holy war is found in the Bible (e.g., the Book of Joshua) and has played a role in many religions. See crusade (Crusades); jihad.

* * *


Universalium. 2010.

Игры ⚽ Нужна курсовая?

Look at other dictionaries:

  • Holy war — may refer to:* a Religious war justified by religious differences.:* The Cherem referred to in the Tanakh.:* Crusades:* French Wars of Religion:* Jihad, a duty for Muslims which has different meanings.:* Reconquista:* Seisen , the name given by… …   Wikipedia

  • Holy war — Holy Ho ly, a. [Compar. {Holier}; superl. {Holiest}.] [OE. holi, hali, AS. h[=a]lig, fr. h[ae]l health, salvation, happiness, fr. h[=a]l whole, well; akin to OS. h?lag, D. & G. heilig, OHG. heilac, Dan. hellig, Sw. helig, Icel. heilagr. See… …   The Collaborative International Dictionary of English

  • Holy war — War War, n. [OE. & AS. werre; akin to OHG. werra scandal, quarrel, sedition, werran to confound, mix, D. warren, G. wirren, verwirren, to embroil, confound, disturb, and perhaps to E. worse; cf. OF. werre war, F. querre, of Teutonic origin. Cf.… …   The Collaborative International Dictionary of English

  • Holy War — Album par Dragonland Sortie 8 fevrier 2002 Enregistrement au Studio Fredman, en Suède Durée 56:11 Genre Power metal Metal Symphonique Power metal symphonique …   Wikipédia en Français

  • holy war — holy .war n a war that is fought to defend the beliefs of a religion →↑crusade, jihad ↑jihad …   Dictionary of contemporary English

  • holy war — holy ,war noun count a war that people with a particular religion believe that God wants them to fight …   Usage of the words and phrases in modern English

  • holy war — ► NOUN ▪ a war waged in support of a religious cause …   English terms dictionary

  • holy war — n. 1. a war fought on behalf of a religion or for a religious cause 2. any zealous or fanatical campaign …   English World dictionary

  • Holy War — Este artículo está huérfano, pues pocos o ningún artículo enlazan aquí. Por favor, introduce enlaces hacia esta página desde otros artículos relacionados. Ho …   Wikipedia Español

  • holy war — UK / US noun [countable] Word forms holy war : singular holy war plural holy wars a war that people with a particular religion believe that God wants them to fight …   English dictionary

Share the article and excerpts

Direct link
Do a right-click on the link above
and select “Copy Link”