go to war

• Engager un conflit armé ou des opérations militaires contre un ennemi ; s'emploie aussi au sens figuré pour désigner le début d'efforts résolus ou agressifs contre un problème ou un adversaire.

To engage in armed conflict or military action against an enemy; also used figuratively to mean starting a determined or aggressive effort against a problem or opponent.

1. Start a military conflictB2formal

   To begin or engage in a war or armed conflict with an enemy.

   partir en guerre

   • The country decided to go to war after the invasion.
   • They went to war to defend their borders.
   • Many nations went to war during the 20th century.

2. Engage in a serious disputeB2informal

   To enter into a serious or intense conflict or argument, often in a non-military context.

   entrer en conflit

   • The two companies went to war over the patent rights.
   • They went to war with each other over the inheritance.
   • The politicians went to war over the new policy.