pugilistic

[pyoo-juh-lis-tik]

adjective

1. relating to or involving fighting with the fists, especially professional boxing.

   The movie Rocky is a triumphant, rags-to-riches tale of pugilistic glory.

2. inclined or eager to fight; aggressively hostile; belligerent.

   She was fired for being a pugilistic, wine-tossing diva who fought with nearly everyone.

Other Word Forms

• pugilistically adverb
• unpugilistic adjective

Word History and Origins

Origin of pugilistic¹

pugilist ( def. ) + -ic

Example Sentences

At the heart of the case was the late Frank Carson, a veteran Modesto defense attorney with a pugilistic style who delighted in antagonizing police and prosecutors.

From Los Angeles Times

Incoming White House communications director Steven Cheung is well known for his “pugilistic” bombast – particularly on social media – and like many of Trump’s inner circle – he has a background in entertainment.

From Salon

But the fight was far from a pugilistic masterpiece.

From Los Angeles Times

Will this be the week that Trump dispenses with his pugilistic animal spirit and rises above the fray?

From Los Angeles Times

Even in a wounded state, former President Trump struck a pugilistic profile mouthing what appeared to be the word “fight!”

From Salon