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]

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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.

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▪ 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.

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Universalium. 2010.

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  • 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

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  • 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

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