warmonger
UK: ˈwɔːmʌŋɡə | US: ˈwɔːrmʌŋɡər
n. a person who encourages or advocates war or aggression
n. (derogatory) a leader or agitator who promotes conflict for personal or political gain
warmonger = war<conflict> + monger<dealer/seller>
- war: From Old English wyrre, werre, meaning "armed conflict."
- monger: From Old English mangere (trader, dealer), derived from Latin mango (merchant). Historically used in compound words to denote someone who trades or promotes something (e.g., fishmonger, rumormonger).
Etymology Origin:
The term warmonger emerged in the 16th century, combining war and monger to metaphorically describe someone who "sells" or promotes war, often for profit or power. The suffix -monger carries a pejorative tone, implying unethical profiteering. The word reflects societal disdain for those who exploit conflict.
The politician was accused of being a warmonger after advocating for military intervention.
History remembers him as a ruthless warmonger who prolonged the war for personal gain.
Propaganda often portrays opposing leaders as warmongers to justify defensive measures.
She criticized the arms industry for acting like modern-day warmongers.
The novel’s villain is a cunning warmonger who manipulates nations into battle.