belligerent
UK: bəˈlɪdʒ.ər.ənt | US: bəˈlɪdʒ.ər.ənt
adj. hostile and aggressive; eager to fight
n. a nation or person engaged in war or conflict
belligerent = belli<war> + ger<to carry> + ent<adjective suffix>
- belli (from Latin bellum "war")
- ger (from Latin gerere "to carry, wage")
- ent (Latin-derived suffix forming adjectives, indicating "being in a state of")
Etymology Origin:
The word belligerent traces back to Latin belligerare ("to wage war"), combining bellum (war) and gerere (to carry/wage). It originally described nations or groups actively engaged in warfare. Over time, it broadened to describe any aggressively hostile behavior, retaining its core logic of "carrying war-like energy."
The belligerent nation refused to negotiate peace terms.
His belligerent tone escalated the argument.
Protesters clashed with belligerent police officers.
The boxer’s belligerent stance intimidated his opponent.
Alcohol often makes him loud and belligerent.