pugilistic

[ pyoo-juh-lis-tik ]

/ ˌpyu dʒəˈlɪs tɪk /

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adjective

relating to or involving fighting with the fists, especially professional boxing:The movie Rocky is a triumphant, rags-to-riches tale of pugilistic glory.

inclined or eager to fight; aggressively hostile; belligerent: She was fired for being a pugilistic, wine-tossing diva who fought with nearly everyone.

QUIZ

SHALL WE PLAY A "SHALL" VS. "SHOULD" CHALLENGE?

Should you take this quiz on “shall” versus “should”? It should prove to be a quick challenge!

Question 1 of 6

Which form is used to state an obligation or duty someone has?

shall

should

TAKE THE QUIZ TO FIND OUT

Origin of pugilistic

pugilist + -ic

OTHER WORDS FROM pugilistic

pu·gi·lis·ti·cal·ly, adverbun·pu·gi·lis·tic, adjective

Words nearby pugilistic

puggree, puggy, pugh, pugilism, pugilist, pugilistic, pugil stick, Pugin, Puglia, pugmark, pug mill

How to use pugilistic in a sentence

For starters, the pugilistic Governor framed his record as being about results, as opposed to partisan politics.
Hillary Clinton Vs. the GOP Boys’ Club: Fighting for the Female Vote|Lloyd Green|October 21, 2013|DAILY BEAST
But when a boxer is caught juicing his gloves, the pugilistic community turns away in disgust.
How the Saints Players Betrayed the Football Brotherhood|Gordon Marino|March 21, 2012|DAILY BEAST
I pressed Stevens about the risk to his candidate of such a pugilistic approach.
Mitt Romney Smacks Newt Gingrich in Florida Brawl at NBC Debate|Howard Kurtz|January 24, 2012|DAILY BEAST
Sin City brought out the devil in the GOP candidates tonight, delivering the most pugilistic Republican Party debate to date.
Romney Rattled, But Still in Front|John Avlon|October 19, 2011|DAILY BEAST

I first learned of the man when I worked in the Senate as a young pugilistic conservative.
Rick Santorum Needs a Miracle|Matt Latimer|June 7, 2011|DAILY BEAST
And so saying, the young American placed himself in a pugilistic attitude by the side of Henry Chester.
The Land of Fire|Mayne Reid
They were entertained with various games, such as wrestling and pugilistic matches.
Notable Voyagers|W.H.G. Kingston and Henry Frith
Pugilistic and culinary talents are a rare combination, Jerome.
The Gray Phantom's Return|Herman Landon
These two latter are sometimes called amazon ants, from their pugilistic propensities.
Cooley's Cyclopdia of Practical Receipts and Collateral Information in the Arts, Manufactures, Professions, and Trades..., Sixth Edition, Volume I|Arnold Cooley
Attempts were made to remove him, when he assumed a pugilistic attitude, and resolutely declined to quit the hall.
Old and New London|Walter Thornbury