a conflict using psychological techniques, as propaganda, threats, and false rumors, rather than direct violence, in order to confuse, thwart, or intimidate an enemy.
Origin
1935-40
British Dictionary definitions for war of nerves
war of nerves
noun
1.
the use of psychological tactics against an opponent, such as shattering his morale by the use of propaganda
Idioms and Phrases with war of nerves
war of nerves
A conflict characterized by psychological pressure such as threats and rumors, aiming to undermine an enemy's morale. For example, Her lawyer said the university had waged a war of nerves to persuade his client to resign. This expression alludes to tactics used in World War II. [ Late 1930s ]