Meaning & Definition of word "Belligerent"

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    Belligerent

    /bəˈlɪdʒ.ər.ənt/

    noun:

    • 1. a nation or person engaged in conflict or war.
      • Example: The treaty was signed by several belligerents to bring peace to the region.

    adjective:

    • 1. characterized by hostility and aggression; inclined to fight.
      • Example: The belligerent nations refused to settle their disputes through diplomacy.
    • 2. engaged in war or conflict.
      • Example: The belligerent forces clashed on the battlefield, marking the start of a long conflict.

    Etymology

    From Latin 'belligerare' meaning 'to wage war' (from 'bellum' meaning 'war' and 'gerere' meaning 'to carry').

    Common Phrases and Expressions

    belligerent attitude:

    a demeanor marked by hostility or readiness to fight

    belligerent nations:

    countries involved in conflict or warfare

    belligerent forces:

    military groups actively engaged in combat

    Related Words

    belligerence:

    the quality of being hostile or aggressive

    rebellion:

    an act of violent or open resistance to an established government or ruler

    combatant:

    a person or group that engages in conflict or warfare

    Slang Meanings of belligerent

    Meaning: fighting words

    Example Sentence: He always uses fighting words when he's belligerent.

    Meaning: ready to throw down

    Example Sentence: After the argument, he was ready to throw down.