WordGarden.iowarpath
C2Pronunciation
UK
- /wˈɔːpɑːθ/
US
- /ˈwɔrˌpæθ/
Meanings
Noun
a course or expedition toward armed conflict or attack
(informal)an aggressively angry campaign against someone or something
Beyond the definition
The term "warpath" originally referred to the route taken by Native American warriors going into battle. Today, it is usually used figuratively in the phrase "on the warpath" to describe someone who is very angry and determined to confront someone, punish them, or fight for something in an aggressive way. You might say your neighbor went on the warpath after you accidentally backed into his mailbox. It suggests a strong, focused, and often destructive reaction. Because of its history, some people may find the term dated or insensitive.
"Warpath" has a historical origin in Native American cultures, where it referred to the route taken by warriors going into conflict. In modern English, however, it is used mainly in a figurative way, especially in the idiom "on the warpath."
When someone is on the warpath, they are not just upset. They are angry, ready for a fight, and determined to take action against someone or something. The phrase often suggests confrontation, blame, punishment, or revenge. For example, you might say, "After finding out who leaked the story, she went on the warpath," or "The manager was on the warpath after the mistake cost the team a major client."
The phrase is stronger than simply saying someone is angry. It paints a picture of a person moving forward with force and little patience. In some cases, it can also be used more loosely for an aggressive campaign, such as a politician on the warpath against corruption or a company on the warpath against rivals. Even then, the expression still carries a feeling of hostility and conflict.
It is worth noting that the term comes from a specific historical and cultural context, so some speakers avoid it because it can sound dated or insensitive. Even so, it still appears in news, fiction, and everyday speech. Overall, "warpath" usually refers to a fierce, angry drive toward confrontation, especially in the phrase "on the warpath."
Examples
- 1
Family anger
Dad was on the warpath when he found out someone had used his tools and not put them back.
- Phraseon the warpath
very angry and ready to confront someone
- 2
Workplace anger
The boss came in on the warpath after the client complained about the missed deadline.
- 3
Public protest
Local residents are on the warpath over the plan to close the neighborhood library.
See also
Similar
- rampage
- attack mode
Shades of meaning
Contrast
Used with (collocations)
- on the warpath
- go on the warpath
- put someone on the warpath
Explore
Forms and spellings
1 form open this card.
Main spelling
- warpathnoun