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

In time, the prince stepped back from his more pugilistic policies, while geopolitics, energy concerns and a turbulent Middle East forced Biden to moderate his rejectionist stance.

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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.

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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.

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But the fight was far from a pugilistic masterpiece.

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

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