belligerence
buh-LIJ-er-unss
/bəˈlɪdʒ.ər.əns/
aggressive or warlike behavior.
Belligerence implies a readiness to fight or a provocative attitude. It is often used to describe a person's demeanor or a nation's foreign policy.
The story behind the word. The word combines 'bellum' (war) and 'gerere' (to wage). In international law, a 'belligerent' is a recognized party in a war. In common usage, it describes anyone acting like they are in a war.
Word relationships
- pugnacity: Pugnacity is a natural inclination to fight with fists, while belligerence is a more general warlike attitude.
- truculence: Truculence is a more surly, fierce kind of aggressiveness.
- peacefulness: Peacefulness is the absence of conflict.
- submissiveness: Submissiveness is the willingness to yield to others.
Commonly confused with
- bellicose: Bellicose is the adjective (a bellicose nation), while belligerence is the noun (the nation's belligerence).
Word family
- belligerent (adjective): hostile and aggressive
- belligerent (noun): a nation or person engaged in war
Collocations
- increasing belligerence
- drunken belligerence
- open belligerence
Example sentences
- "The customer's growing belligerence forced the manager to call security." Describing a drunk and disorderly person.
- "The diplomat warned that such belligerence would only lead to further isolation." Political commentary on a nation's stance.
Memory hook
Think of a 'bell' ringing to start a boxing match. The 'bell-igerent' person is ready for the fight to start. Bellum (war) + Gerere (wage) = Waging war.
When not to use
Do not use for a quiet, cold hatred; belligerence is usually loud, visible, and active.
Fun facts
- In the 19th century, 'belligerent' was often used as a legal term for a rebel group that had earned the right to be treated as a regular army.
Explore more words
truculent, provoke, altercation, confrontation, demeanor, recalcitrant
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