proxy war — English Dictionary

Noun

1. A war where two powers use third parties as a supplement to, or a substitute for, fighting each other directly.

   Broader terms

   war

   Examples

   More examples (1)

   With the enhanced insurgent firepower and with Russia steadily raising the number of airstrikes against the government’s opponents, the Syrian conflict is edging closer to an all-out proxy war between the United States and Russia.

Noun

1. a war instigated by a major power that does not itself participate

   Broader terms

   warstate of war