office of war information
LowFormal, Historical, Academic
Definition
Meaning
The United States government agency (1942–1945) responsible for creating and disseminating propaganda and information to support the Allied war effort during World War II.
A proper noun specifically denoting a historical U.S. government organization. May be used by extension or metaphorically to refer to any centralized, state-controlled propaganda or information apparatus, especially in a wartime context.
Linguistics
Semantic Notes
This is a proper noun, the official name of a specific historical entity. It is typically capitalized. Its use outside of historical reference is rare and usually figurative or comparative.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
The term refers exclusively to a U.S. agency. In British historical context, the equivalent or parallel functions were carried out by the Ministry of Information.
Connotations
In US usage, it carries historical weight, associated with iconic posters, films, and radio broadcasts. In UK/international usage, it is recognized as a key US institution of the period.
Frequency
Almost exclusively used in American historical texts and contexts; rarely used in everyday British English.
Vocabulary
Collocations
Grammar
Valency Patterns
the Office of War Information + [past tense verb] (e.g., 'was created', 'produced')the Office of War Information + [was responsible for] + [noun/gerund]Vocabulary
Synonyms
Strong
Neutral
Weak
Vocabulary
Antonyms
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “None specific to this proper noun.”
Usage
Context Usage
Business
Not applicable.
Academic
Frequently used in history, media studies, and political science papers discussing WWII propaganda, U.S. government policy, or the home front.
Everyday
Rarely used outside of historical documentaries, museums, or discussions about WWII.
Technical
Used precisely in historical military, archival, and communications research to identify the specific agency and its output.
Examples
By Part of Speech
verb
British English
- The ministry's role was conceptually similar to that which the Americans had *Office-of-War-Informationed* across the Atlantic. (Figurative, rare)
American English
- The government effectively *OWI-ed* the public with a constant stream of newsreels. (Figurative, informal)
adverb
British English
- The campaign was run *in an Office-of-War-Information manner*, highly coordinated and patriotic. (Figurative)
American English
- The message was delivered *OWI-style*, with simple, powerful imagery. (Figurative)
adjective
British English
- The film had a distinctly *Office-of-War-Information* style, aiming to boost morale. (Attributive use)
American English
- It was a classic *OWI-produced* poster, featuring Rosie the Riveter. (Attributive use)
Examples
By CEFR Level
- The Office of War Information was in America.
- During the war, the Office of War Information made many posters.
- The U.S. government established the Office of War Information in 1942 to control propaganda and public morale.
- Scholars argue that the Office of War Information's output not only supported the war effort but also helped shape a distinct American national identity during the 1940s.
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Remember the acronym OWI: 'Official Wartime Information' for the USA.
Conceptual Metaphor
A centralized source of truth / The machinery of persuasion / The government's megaphone.
Watch out
Common Pitfalls
Translation Traps (for Russian speakers)
- Do not translate 'office' literally as 'офис' (business premises). The correct historical/administrative translation is 'Управление' or 'Ведомство'. A full translation is 'Управление военной информации (США)'.
Common Mistakes
- Using lowercase ('office of war information').
- Confusing it with the 'War Production Board' or other WWII agencies.
- Using it as a common noun (e.g., 'an office of war information').
Practice
Quiz
What was the primary function of the Office of War Information?
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
It operated from June 1942 until September 1945, shortly after the end of World War II.
It was initially led by journalist Elmer Davis, who reported directly to President Roosevelt.
No, it was disbanded after the war. Some of its foreign information functions were transferred to the Department of State.
The 'This is the Enemy' and 'Loose Lips Sink Ships' poster campaigns are iconic examples of OWI output.