battle cry

1. A rallying cry uttered in combat, especially while attacking.

2. A slogan used by the proponents of a cause.

American Heritage® Dictionary of the English Language, Fifth Edition. Copyright © 2016 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. All rights reserved.

battle cry

1. (Military) a shout uttered by soldiers going into battle

2. a slogan used to rally the supporters of a campaign, movement, etc

Collins English Dictionary – Complete and Unabridged, 12th Edition 2014 © HarperCollins Publishers 1991, 1994, 1998, 2000, 2003, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2011, 2014

bat′tle cry`

1. a cry or shout of troops going into battle.

2. a slogan used to arouse enthusiasm in a contest.

[1805–15]

ThesaurusAntonymsRelated WordsSynonymsLegend:

Noun	1.	battle cry - a yell intended to rally a group of soldiers in battle war whoop, rallying cry, war cry cry, outcry, shout, vociferation, yell, call - a loud utterance; often in protest or opposition; "the speaker was interrupted by loud cries from the rear of the audience"
	2.	battle cry - a slogan used to rally support for a cause; "a cry to arms"; "our watchword will be `democracy'" rallying cry, war cry, watchword, cry catchword, motto, shibboleth, slogan - a favorite saying of a sect or political group

battle cry

noun

1. slogan, motto, watchword, catch phrase, tag-line, catchword the ideological battle cry of Hong Kong

2. war cry, rallying cry, war whoop He screamed out a battle cry and charged.

Collins Thesaurus of the English Language – Complete and Unabridged 2nd Edition. 2002 © HarperCollins Publishers 1995, 2002

battle cry

noun

A rallying term used by proponents of a cause:

call to arms, call to battle, cry, motto, rallying cry, war cry.

Translations

battle cry

n → grido di battaglia

Collins Italian Dictionary 1st Edition © HarperCollins Publishers 1995

Mentioned in

References in classic literature

Now he was close upon them, and had there been any doubt before, the wild battle cry which rang from a thousand fierce throats turned the hopes of the royalists cold within their breasts.

View in context

It was at once a sight to make one shudder and to cheer; but in a brief second we were engaged once more in our own battle with only the unquenchable battle cry of the women to remind us that they still fought--"Rise slaves!" "Rise slaves!"

View in context

Just then Uncas struck his tomahawk deep into the post, and raised his voice in a shout, which might be termed his own battle cry. The act announced that he had assumed the chief authority in the intended expedition.

View in context

Chairman Derek Bell sounded the battle cry for Gateshead today when he insisted: "We could be only a matter of days away from safety."

Safety is first for Bell

PRESIDENT Bush made great play of having the battle cry speech of Colonel Tim Collins framed and hung on the Oval Office wall.

STOTTY: FRAMED

The favourite battle cry among the fans after the Second World Warwas `Open the score Richards - nod one i

Football: Stan the man at City in the roaring Forties

She followed that with the release of 1992's E.C.T., a battle cry for sexual freedom.

Queen of the Carnaval: lesbian Brazilian rocker Cassia Eller dies just as her career was really taking off. (music)

It must be a hard fight when your battle cry is: 'We must cane the children!'

Ulster Man Of The People: Say a little prayer for me, Ivan

Elections come and go, but Roxas' battle cry against corruption will forever be or for quite some time be etched in the minds of Filipinos, young and old alike.

Indeed, corruption is a serious problem

Currently the battle cry is that businesses need less red tape if they are to prosper.

Letter: Your Say - Crocodile tears; In association with POST OFFICE

Surely in the present climate unity should be Labour's battle cry.

YOU SAY: Unite or perish

BATTLE CRY: Peter Houston has just opened a wargames shop.

New shop owner's up for the fight