Definition, Meaning & Synonyms

sabre-rattling

noun

/ˈseɪ.bər ˌræt.əl.ɪŋ/

Definition

The act of displaying military power or making threats of military action to intimidate others.

Examples

The government’s sabre-rattling has raised tensions in the region.
Many analysts believe that the sabre-rattling is merely a tactic to show strength without engaging in war.
During the Cold War, sabre-rattling was commonplace between superpowers.

Meaning

Sabre-rattling refers to the practice of making aggressive or threatening gestures, particularly in a political or military context, without necessarily intending to follow through with actual conflict.