Belligerent

/bəˈlɪdʒ.ər.ənt/

Meaning & Definition

noun

a nation or person engaged in conflict or war.

The treaty was signed by several belligerents to bring peace to the region.

adjective

characterized by hostility and aggression; inclined to fight.

The belligerent nations refused to settle their disputes through diplomacy.

engaged in war or conflict.

The belligerent forces clashed on the battlefield, marking the start of a long conflict.

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

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

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

fighting words

He always uses fighting words when he's belligerent.

ready to throw down

After the argument, he was ready to throw down.