What does prowar mean?
Prowar means favoring war or the use of military force. It is most often applied to governments, political parties, activists, public figures, and their stated positions, as in “pro-war rhetoric” or “a pro-war policy.” The expression is strongly associated with political and journalistic discussion and commonly carries a negative connotation, suggesting an aggressive or militaristic attitude. It should be distinguished from a neutral description of a government’s foreign policy, since the label signals a judgment or an openly declared preference. Prowar is also often written with a hyphen as “pro-war,” especially before another word. The opposite is “antiwar,” while “pacifist” more specifically describes someone opposed to war or the use of force.
adjectiveFavoring war or the use of military force. The term is chiefly used in political and journalistic contexts and is often negative in connotation.
- Supporting or favoring war, especially as a matter of policy or political principle.
"The committee resisted the candidate's pro-war rhetoric."
"The senator delivered a pro-war speech to the party conference."
"Public opinion shifted after the election, with younger voters becoming less pro-war."
Calling someone pro-war says more about their political position than a simple description of their views on military action.
Reviewed by Deb Chak, Editor. AI-assisted content curated by RJS Tech Solutions LLP.
Where does prowar come from?
The word combines the prefix “pro-,” meaning “in favor of,” with “war.” The prefix comes through Latin from a word meaning “forward” or “in favor,” and was being used in English in this sense before the modern political term developed. Its modern use dates to the period of modern warfare and international political debate.
How prowar is actually used
This is a politically charged term, especially in debates over military conflict, and can sound accusatory depending on context. It is often written as “pro-war” when used attributively.