cold war

/ˌkoʊl(d) ˌˈwɔər/

/kəʊld wɔ/

A cold war is a conflict between countries that doesn't include actual warfare. The most famous example is the 20th century conflict between the U.S. and Russia.

Of all the types of war, a cold war is probably the most peaceful, since it’s a conflict by other means. During the cold war between the U.S. and Russia, both countries tried to outdo the other in space exploration. The arms race was a big part of the cold war, as both countries stockpiled missiles to keep up with the other. A cold war can include anything except direct conflict, which would make the cold war hot.

Definitions of cold war

1. noun

   a state of political hostility between countries using means short of armed warfare
   antonyms:

   hot war

   actual fighting between the warring parties

   type of:

   antagonism, enmity, hostility

   a state of deep-seated ill-will