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Glite Dictionary
eco-warfare

eco-warfare

9.8
Violent attacks to help environmental activists reach political goals
  • noun
  • /ˈiːkoʊ ˈwɔːrˌfɛr/
  • NSFW
translation icon : ecoterrorismo
  • Authorities are concerned about a rise in eco-warfare targeted at energy infrastructure.

Examples

  • Some extremist groups have resorted to eco-warfare to stop the construction of oil pipelines.

  • The activists engaged in eco-warfare to protect endangered species.

  • The film explores the consequences of eco-warfare in a future threatened by climate change.

  • Many believe that eco-warfare is a necessary response to climate change.

  • Authorities are concerned about a rise in eco-warfare targeted at energy infrastructure.

  • Some extremist groups have resorted to eco-warfare to stop the construction of oil pipelines.

  • Many believe that eco-warfare is a necessary response to urgent environmental threats.

Synonyms

ecoterrorism
vseco-warfare
  • Offensive
1 9.1

An act using violence or threats to protect nature

focuses on violent acts aimed at advancing goals without stressing intimidation
ecological terrorism
vseco-warfare
  • Offensive
8.9

Using or threatening violence to make others change how they treat nature

is limited to actions by activists or organizations rather than broad groups
ecological warfare
vseco-warfare
  • Offensive
9.6

Planned actions that harm nature to achieve political goals

describes violent actions to advance goals without implying sabotage or specific tactics

How Violent

eco-warfare
  • NSFW
9.8
sabotage
77 7.3
direct action
  • Jargon
10 5.5
demonstration
272 3.2
petition
  • Formal
216 4.1

Surface Forms

eco-warfare singular
eco-warfare plural

Morphology

eco-warfare = warfare (transparent) = eco + warfare + eco

The combining form 'eco-' (ecological) straightforwardly modifies 'warfare' to mean conflict undertaken for environmental aims; this is predictable for learners familiar with 'eco-'.

Etymology

The word eco-warfare combines the prefix eco-, meaning 'home' or 'environment', and warfare, meaning 'acts of war'. So it literally suggests a 'war for the home' or 'war over the environment', which is why it is used for violent actions taken to support environmental causes.