belligerent

/bə-ˈlij--ˈli-jə-rənt/

modification of Latin belligerant-, belligerans, present participle of belligerare to wage war, from belliger waging war, from bellum war + gerere to wage

adjective

  1. inclined to or exhibiting assertiveness, hostility, or combativeness

  2. waging war; specifically : belonging to or recognized as a state at war and protected by and subject to the laws of war

belligerent bellicose pugnacious quarrelsome contentious mean having an aggressive or fighting attitude. belligerent often implies being actually at war or engaged in hostilities. bellicose suggests a disposition to fight.