General Discussion
In reply to the discussion: Kerry: Bombing other countries is not "Going to war." [View all]Swede Atlanta
(3,596 posts)it may be justifiable war but it is war. No discussion around semantics is needed.
Here is the definition of "war" from Dictionary.com
war1 [wawr] Show IPA noun, verb, warred, war·ring, adjective
noun
1.
a conflict carried on by force of arms, as between nations or between parties within a nation; warfare, as by land, sea, or air.
2.
a state or period of armed hostility or active military operations: The two nations were at war with each other.
3.
a contest carried on by force of arms, as in a series of battles or campaigns: the War of 1812.
4.
armed fighting, as a science, profession, activity, or art; methods or principles of waging armed conflict: War is the soldier's business.
5.
active hostility or contention; conflict; contest: a war of words.
Dropping bombs or shooting missiles involves a force of arms by one party on another.