cold war: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
B2Formal, academic, historical, political, journalistic.
Quick answer
What does “cold war” mean?
A state of political and military tension between countries without actual full-scale warfare, characterized by threats, propaganda, espionage, proxy conflicts, and economic competition.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
A state of political and military tension between countries without actual full-scale warfare, characterized by threats, propaganda, espionage, proxy conflicts, and economic competition.
Any prolonged period of hostile relations, rivalry, or tension between parties (e.g., individuals, companies, departments) where direct confrontation is avoided but indirect conflict occurs.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
Usage is identical in meaning and frequency. The historical period is capitalised as 'the Cold War' in both varieties.
Connotations
Carries the same heavy historical and geopolitical weight in both cultures, being a defining framework for post-WWII history.
Frequency
Equally common in political and historical discourse. Slightly more common in American media due to the US's central role in the historical conflict.
Grammar
How to Use “cold war” in a Sentence
[Country A] and [Country B] are engaged in a cold war.The cold war between [X] and [Y] escalated.It marked the end of the Cold War.Vocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “cold war” in a Sentence
noun
British English
- The Cold War shaped British foreign policy for decades.
- A renewed cold war in the Arctic is a concern for strategists.
American English
- The Cold War ended with the collapse of the Soviet Union.
- Analysts warn of a potential cold war with China over technology.
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Used metaphorically: 'A cold war has developed between the marketing and sales departments over budget allocation.'
Academic
Analysed as a historical period, a system of international relations, or a theoretical concept in political science.
Everyday
Used to describe any sustained, unfriendly stalemate: 'There's a bit of a cold war between our neighbours over the parking space.'
Technical
In IR theory, refers to a specific condition of bipolarity, nuclear deterrence, and ideological competition.
Vocabulary
Synonyms of “cold war”
Strong
Neutral
Weak
Vocabulary
Antonyms of “cold war”
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “cold war”
- Using it for any short-term disagreement. (It implies longevity and systemic opposition).
- Misspelling as 'cool war'.
- Using lowercase 'c' when referring specifically to the 20th-century Cold War.
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
Because the major powers did not engage in direct, large-scale 'hot' warfare with each other. The conflict was 'cold' in the sense of being conducted through political, economic, and ideological means.
It is generally considered to have begun around 1947 with the Truman Doctrine and ended in 1991 with the dissolution of the Soviet Union.
Yes, it is commonly used as a metaphor to describe any prolonged state of hostile rivalry where the parties avoid direct confrontation, e.g., 'a cold war between two executives'.
A 'hot war' refers to active, armed military conflict. 'Détente' refers to a easing of tensions during a cold war.
A state of political and military tension between countries without actual full-scale warfare, characterized by threats, propaganda, espionage, proxy conflicts, and economic competition.
Cold war is usually formal, academic, historical, political, journalistic. in register.
Cold war: in British English it is pronounced /ˌkəʊld ˈwɔː/, and in American English it is pronounced /ˌkoʊld ˈwɔːr/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “An iron curtain descended (ref. to Churchill's speech).”
- “A balance of terror (ref. to nuclear deterrence).”
- “To fight a proxy war.”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think of a war that is 'cold' – no shooting (hot bullets), but the relationship is frozen in hostility.
Conceptual Metaphor
HOSTILE RELATIONS ARE COLD / WAR IS A GAME OF STRATEGY (e.g., chess match).
Practice
Quiz
Which of these is a key characteristic of a 'cold war'?