War on words

What does a 'war on words' mean? Well, when you hear a sentence or phrase that reeks of political correctness which per se is designed to mislead, distort or change the perception or meaning of a reality, I think of it as a 'war on words.'  What about an "opioid use disorder." I heard of this for the 1st time today.  Whence has this excuse for drug addiction as a condition for self-destruction?  What about "accessibility to lethal weapons"?  Whence did an excuse need to be found for someone's decision to kill?  Every commercial, I have noticed, misuses words to further its end.  Too many official spokespersons and  unscrupulous politicians engage in language that drives me to distraction.  The times have changed... Can't use hear a death knell tolling?