noun
all-out war; total war
Refers to warfare in which a nation mobilizes all available resources and population, not just its military. Also used metaphorically for an all-out effort.
第二次世界大戦は典型的な総力戦だった。
World War II was a typical total war.
会社は新
The company is tackling the development of the new product with an all-out effort.
Compound of 総力 (そうりょく, 'all power' or 'total strength') and 戦 (せん, 'war' or 'battle'). The term is a calque from English 'total war' or German 'totaler Krieg', entering Japanese in the early 20th century.