War: English Vocabulary List

a fight between opposing armed forces, particularly during a war

"The Battle of Britain was a key air conflict."

"The soldiers prepared for the intense battle that would determine the outcome of the war."

a military officer with a rank above that of a lieutenant and below that of a major

"The captain gave orders."

"The captain led his troops bravely into the heart of the enemy's territory."

a high-ranking officer in the army, Air Force, or Marines

"He was promoted to the rank of Brigadier General."

"The general outlined the strategic plan for the upcoming military offensive against the enemy."

military action taken to oppose or prevent an enemy's advance

"The resistance fought against the invaders."

"The outnumbered soldiers mounted a fierce resistance against the invading enemy forces."

the area where opposing forces meet or engage, often in a military conflict

"Soldiers on the front line."

"Soldiers on the front line face extremely dangerous conditions every single day of the war."

a period or state where there is no war or violence

"We all want world peace."

"the people longed for peace."

a small cylindrical metal object designed to be fired from a gun

"The bullet flew fast."

"The police found a single bullet lodged in the doorframe at the crime scene."

to begin using weapons against a place or enemy during a war

"They will attack soon."

"The enemy decided to attack the fortified city under the cover of darkness."

to not let any harm come to someone or something

"Soldiers defend their country bravely."

"The lawyer worked tirelessly to defend her client against the serious charges that could have put him in prison."

to shoot a bullet, shell, etc. from a weapon

"He will fire the gun."

"The soldiers were ordered to fire their weapons at the approaching enemy tanks."

(of military) to move away in order to escape the danger because one has been defeated or is weak

"The army will retreat from battle."

"The army was forced to retreat from the battlefield after suffering heavy casualties and running low on ammunition."

to gain control of a place or people using armed forces

"They conquer the land."

"The victorious army managed to conquer the entire kingdom within a year."

to drop bombs on someone or something continuously

"The planes bombarded the enemy base."

"The enemy forces began to bombard the city with heavy artillery shells causing widespread destruction and panic among civilians."

to seize or get control of something by force

"The police managed to capture the fugitive."

"The police managed to capture the escaped convict after an intense chase through the crowded streets of the city."

an organization or group of people, countries, or entities united by a formal agreement for mutual benefit

"The two countries formed a defensive alliance."

"The two countries formed a strong military alliance to defend against potential attacks from their enemies."

a former member of the armed forces who has fought in a war

"My grandfather is a veteran of the Second World War."

"The elderly veteran proudly wore his medals from the war."

a continuous attack on an area using bombs

"The bombardment lasted all night."

"The constant artillery bombardment could be heard for miles around the besieged city."