Belligerent - Meaning, Definition & English Examples
Belligerent describes someone who is hostile, aggressive, or eager to fight, either physically or verbally. It can also refer to nations engaged in war or conflict.
Definition:
Hostile, aggressive, or eager to fight.
Synonyms:
Aggressive, combative, hostile, confrontational, warlike
Part of Speech:
adjective, noun
Antonyms:
Peaceful, friendly, cooperative
Common Collocations:
Belligerent attitude, belligerent behavior, belligerent nation
Derivatives:
Belligerence, belligerently
Usage Tips:
Use "belligerent" to describe someone or something showing aggression or hostility.
Common Phrases:
Belligerent stance, belligerent tone, act of belligerence
Etymology:
From Latin "belligerant-," meaning "waging war," from "bellum" (war) and "gerere" (to wage).
Examples:
- 1. The protesters became belligerent when the police arrived.
- 2. His belligerent tone made the negotiation tense.
- 3. The country adopted a belligerent stance toward its neighbors.
- 4. She regretted her belligerent outburst during the meeting.