pugnacity

[ puhg-nas-i-tee ]

noun

1. readiness to quarrel or fight; combative or argumentative character:

   She was always defending him against the fallout from his pugnacity and lack of social graces.

Word History and Origins

Origin of pugnacity¹

First recorded in 1600–10; from Latin pugnācitās “combativeness,” equivalent to pugnāci-, stem of pugnāx “combative” + -tās -ty ²( def )

Example Sentences

For all his pugnacity, Hannity rarely punches to the right, preferring to praise anybody wrapped in the cloak of MAGA.

From Time

“I Am Every Woman,” it said, and Tehelka was widely lauded for its pugnacity.

From The Daily Beast

He is a not just a grinning creationist, he is also willing to disdain Darwinism with a sinister pugnacity.

From The Daily Beast

There is Biercean pugnacity in these words; the author flings down the gauntlet with a confident gesture.

From Project Gutenberg

But pugnacity and perseverance are not necessarily connected with intellectual genius.

From Project Gutenberg

This bird, besides its noted pugnacity, is an arrant rogue, and invariably takes advantage of the House Martin's labour.

From Project Gutenberg

Incidentally, also, he made good his boasts and held the fort with equal pugnacity from the savages.

From Project Gutenberg

The majority of Ueberhells were accused of presumption and arrogance, of opiniativeness and pugnacity.

From Project Gutenberg