cold war
Pronunciation
Noun
B2 Upper-intermediate
Quick answer
A prolonged state of political tension and rivalry between opposing powers that does not involve direct military combat between them.
Usage notes
Usually capitalized as 'the Cold War' when referring to the specific 20th century rivalry rather than tension in general.
Test yourself
Which word fits the gap? "The _____ between the United States and the Soviet Union lasted for decades without the two countries fighting each other directly."
Answer: cold war
In your own words, what does "cold war" mean?
A prolonged state of political tension and rivalry between opposing powers that does not involve direct military combat between them.
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