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holy war

noun

Definition of holy war

: a war or violent campaign waged often by religious extremists for what is considered to be a holy purpose

First Known Use of holy war

1639, in the meaning defined above

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The first known use of holy war was in 1639

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More Definitions for holy war

holy war

noun

English Language Learners Definition of holy war

: a war that is fought to defend or spread one group's religious beliefs

See the full definition for holy war in the English Language Learners Dictionary

More from Merriam-Webster on holy war

Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about holy war

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