舌戦
Meanings
1
war of words; verbal battle
Used for heated debates, arguments, or rhetorical clashes, often in political, legal, or competitive contexts.
A fierce war of words unfolded between the ruling and opposition parties.
The debate was a constant exchange of verbal attacks.
Usage patterns
- 〈相手〉と舌戦を繰り広げるto wage a war of words with an opponent
The two candidates waged a fierce war of words in the televised debate.
- 舌戦を交えるto exchange verbal blows
The ruling and opposition parties exchanged verbal blows in the Diet.
- 舌戦に発展するto develop into a war of words
The discussion gradually developed into a war of words.