Definition, Meaning & Synonyms

casus-belli

Noun

ˈkæs.əs ˈbɛl.aɪ

Definition

A situation or event that justifies or leads to the declaration of war.

Examples

The invasion of the neighboring territory was seen by the leaders as a casus belli for an immediate military response.
Diplomatic tensions escalated to the point where both sides began to look for a casus belli to justify their respective actions.

Meaning

The term ‘casus belli’ is used to describe an act or series of events that provokes a state into taking military action against another state, essentially serving as a justification for war.