war of nerves

SEE SYNONYMS FOR war of nerves ON THESAURUS.COM

noun

a conflict using psychological techniques, as propaganda, threats, and false rumors, rather than direct violence, in order to confuse, thwart, or intimidate an enemy.

Origin of war of nerves

First recorded in 1935–40

Words nearby war of nerves

war memorial, war nose, war of 1812, war of american independence, war of independence, war of nerves, war of secession, war of the austrian succession, war of the grand alliance, war of the rebellion, war of the spanish succession

Words related to war of nerves

demoralization, intimidation, saber-rattling

British Dictionary definitions for war of nerves

war of nerves

noun

the use of psychological tactics against an opponent, such as shattering his morale by the use of propaganda

Idioms and Phrases with war of nerves

war of nerves

A conflict characterized by psychological pressure such as threats and rumors, aiming to undermine an enemy's morale. For example, Her lawyer said the university had waged a war of nerves to persuade his client to resign. This expression alludes to tactics used in World War II. [Late 1930s]