belligerence

[ buh-lij-er-uhns ]

noun

1. a warlike or aggressively hostile nature, condition, or attitude.
2. an act of carrying on war; warfare.

belligerence

/ bɪˈlɪdʒərəns /

noun

1. the act or quality of being belligerent or warlike; aggressiveness

Word History and Origins

Origin of belligerence¹

First recorded in 1805–15; belliger(ent) + -ence

Example Sentences

This politicization is being shaped not just by the right, but by the Trumpian political style of performative belligerence — in other words, being a jerk in the loudest and most public way you can.

From Washington Post

The officials criticized one another’s governments for human rights abuses and belligerence on the international stage.

From MIT Technology Review

Grayson himself sees little political downside to his belligerence.

From The Daily Beast

As a Marine, I learned that peace is predicated on compromise, not superior firepower or belligerence.

From The Daily Beast

Muriel Harding shrewdly surveyed the scene before her, a glint of belligerence in her eyes.

From Project Gutenberg

The instant she noted the change from sarcasm to belligerence 262 in Leslie Cairns tones, she became ready to speak and act.

From Project Gutenberg

Aunt Martha looked at him over the rims of her spectacles, wonderment in her gaze—perhaps a little belligerence.

From Project Gutenberg

The callers had aroused belligerence in Jerry, Ronny and Muriel.

From Project Gutenberg

She was gazing at the intruder with belligerence, not hauteur.

From Project Gutenberg

Related Words

• aggressiveness
• antagonism