Dictionary Home » Dictionary Definitions » belligerent

belligerent

Listen See in Thesaurus See in a sentence

The definition of belligerent is warlike or aggressive.

(adjective)

An example of belligerent is a person who constantly starts fights with others.

Belligerent is defined as a state, nation or military personnel at war or ready to fight.

(noun)

An example of belligerent is Germany in World War II.

See belligerent in Webster's New World College Dictionary

adjective

at war; designating or of a state recognized under international law as being engaged in a war
of war; of fighting
seeking war; warlike
showing a readiness to fight or quarrel: a belligerent gesture or tone

Origin: L belligerans, prp. of belligerare, to wage war < bellum, war (see bellicose) + gerere, to carry on

noun

a belligerent person, group, or nation

Related Forms:

belligerently adverb

See belligerent in American Heritage Dictionary 4

adjective

Inclined or eager to fight; hostile or aggressive.
Of, pertaining to, or engaged in warfare.

noun

One that is hostile or aggressive, especially one that is engaged in war.

Origin:

Origin: Latin belligerāns, belligerant-

Origin: , present participle of belligerāre, to wage war

Origin: , from belliger, warlike

Origin: : bellum, war

Origin: + gerere, to make

Related Forms:

bel·ligˈer·ent·ly adverb

Learn more about belligerent

belligerent synonyms

belligerent in a sentence

belligerent quotes

link/cite print suggestion box

More from YD

» more results...