[TomGuy]

from dictionary.com

war    n.

1. 1. A state of open, armed, often prolonged conflict carried on between nations, states, or parties.
   2. The period of such conflict.
   3. The techniques and procedures of war; military science.
2. 1. A condition of active antagonism or contention: a war of words; a price war.
   2. A concerted effort or campaign to combat or put an end to something considered injurious: the war against acid rain.

intr.v. warred, war·ring, wars

1. To wage or carry on warfare.
2. To be in a state of hostility or rivalry; contend.

Idiom:
at war

In an active state of conflict or contention.

[exodus]

To: exodus
from dictionary.com
war :
a) A state of open, armed, often prolonged conflict
carried on between nations, states, or parties.
b) The period of such conflict.
c) A condition of active antagonism or contention:
a war of words; a price war
d) A concerted effort or campaign to combat or put an end to something considered injurious: the war against acid rain

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That is the popular definition of the term "war."

Gang war, feuding war, me and you are going to war, war on crime, war on drugs, war for civil rights, none of those are a real war. Yes, you can get killed anyway, but killing is not what defines a war.

War is military conflict between nations, and the power to commit our nation to war is given to Congress.

Congress has not declared war on any terrorist nation. Thus, there is no war.

That puts the "War on Terror" on the same solid footing enjoyed by the "War on Crime" and the "War on Drugs." Just like those other "wars," the "War on Terror" is used as an excuse to strengthen the power of government, and to outlaw the very concept of freedom.