With Death and Disease, Why Use Metaphors for War?

Let's use language in a way that illuminates our experiences rather than obscures them.

Words matter. They convey thoughts and emotions. Words allow us to express ourselves and connect with others.

They’re important.

What we say not only tells us what we’re thinking, but it also tells us who we are. Especially when we discuss adversity.

When we use fighting metaphors around disease and death, are we accurately describing the experience? Or are we missing an opportunity to convey what’s truly happening?

Looking Through a Military Lens

Using war metaphors when dealing with a disease began a long time ago. Old medical journals written in the early 1600s contain this language. Such terminology grew in popularity over the centuries and became normalized in the 1970s.

This was when President Nixon declared war on cancer.

Then the National Cancer Institute was formed, codifying this fighting language. It quickly caught on in the general public and continues today.

• “He beat cancer.”

• “I’m fighting this.”

• “She’s battling COVID.”

• “A breakthrough has been discovered in the fight against hea…