belligerence
Americannoun
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a warlike or aggressively hostile nature, condition, or attitude.
-
an act of carrying on war; warfare.
noun
Etymology
Origin of belligerence
First recorded in 1805–15; belliger(ent) + -ence
Explanation
Belligerence is a natural disposition to be hostile or aggressive, or a warlike attitude. The belligerence of Roman gladiators made them excel in battle and instilled fear in their opponents. Belligerence in people is characterized by a tendency to pick fights or be aggressive toward others. It can be something in your nature, if you're, say, a bully, or it can be an attitude you summon in the heat of battle, as when you're going up against a rival sports team. One thing's for sure, though, there is nothing peaceful about belligerence, which, when displayed by armies or countries, can lead to devastating wars.
Vocabulary lists containing belligerence
Lord of the Flies
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Fighting Words: Belli and Milit
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Ungifted
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Example Sentences
Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.
Belligerence in reporters’ faces is a sign that the reporters in question have done something worthwhile and, by applying pressure, forced an insecure public figure to bend.
From Slate • May 31, 2016
I felt like telling His Belligerence that what this country needs is a good five-cent czar.
From Time Magazine Archive
Belligerence may serve as a cover-up for failure.
From Time Magazine Archive
Belligerence was now in her tone, in her very attitude.
From Suzanna Stirs the Fire by Blake, Emily Calvin
The second report bore the heading: "Neutrality or Belligerence: Gamburdo or Tabio."
From The Five Arrows by Chase, Allan
Definitions and idiom definitions from Dictionary.com Unabridged, based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023
Idioms from The American Heritage® Idioms Dictionary copyright © 2002, 2001, 1995 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company.
