proxy war — A war fought between groups or smaller countries that each represent the interests of other larger powers, and may have help and support from these
Part of speech: NOUN
Definition: A war fought between groups or smaller countries that each represent the interests of other larger powers, and may have help and support from these
Pronunciation (IPA): /ˈprɑːksi wɔːr/
Example Sentences
- My little brother started a proxy war between his action figures because he was too lazy to play with them himself.
- The Syrian conflict became a complex proxy war involving multiple international powers.
- The office coffee machine dispute turned into a proxy war between the marketing and sales departments.
proxy war
NOUN[/ˈprɑːksi wɔːr/]
A war fought between groups or smaller countries that each represent the interests of other larger powers, and may have help and support from these

A proxy war illustrated with larger powers controlling smaller groups in conflict.

A proxy war is fought where giant powers stay concealed — their puppet strings control the battlefield, deciding who bleeds and who's revealed
Got the picture? Now let's practice.
🎤Pronunciation
🌳Etymology
Origin
Proxy comes from Latin 'procuratio' meaning management or administration on behalf of another, later shortened to 'procks' in Old French. War is from Proto-Germanic 'werra' meaning confusion or strife.
Breakdown
proxy (from Latin procuratio, one acting for another) + war (from Proto-Germanic werra, conflict) = proxy war (conflict conducted by substitute parties on behalf of larger powers)
🎵Rhyme
🔗Collocations
📝Examples
“My little brother started a proxy war between his action figures because he was too lazy to play with them himself.”
“The Syrian conflict became a complex proxy war involving multiple international powers.”
“The office coffee machine dispute turned into a proxy war between the marketing and sales departments.”
“During the Cold War, many African nations became battlegrounds for proxy wars between superpowers.”
📚Related Words
Synonyms
Antonyms
Related
Want to master 19,000+ words?
Sign up free for flashcards & quizzes.