[go] to war
1
(of nations or groups of people) to engage in armed conflict or warfare and enter a state of military confrontation
- The two nations went to war over territorial disputes.
- They decided to go to war to defend their sovereignty.
- Let's work toward diplomatic solutions to prevent nations from going to war.
- Going to war has profound consequences on both sides, leading to loss and destruction.
- The conflict escalated, and the countries eventually went to war.