Belligerent is an adjective used to describe someone who is aggressive, hostile, or eager to engage in conflict, whether physically or verbally. It can refer to a person, group, or even a country that is involved in or inclined toward conflict. The term originates from the Latin belligerare, meaning “to wage war,” and it suggests an attitude of readiness to fight or argue. In Indonesian, belligerent can be translated as “belligeren” or “agresif.”
Some synonyms for belligerent include: hostile, aggressive, combatant, warlike, pugnacious, contentious, quarrelsome, bellicose, antagonistic, and feisty.
Example Sentences Using Belligerent:
- His belligerent attitude made it difficult for anyone to work with him.
- The belligerent nations clashed over territory disputes, leading to open conflict.
- She became belligerent during the debate, refusing to listen to anyone else’s opinions.
- The belligerent behavior of the fans at the concert led to several ejections.
- After the argument, he stormed out in a belligerent mood.
- The belligerent tone in his voice suggested that he was ready to fight.
- In a belligerent mood, he took every opportunity to challenge others’ opinions.
- The country’s belligerent foreign policy has led to tension with neighboring states.
- She avoided speaking with her belligerent colleague, who always seemed ready to argue.
- His belligerent actions during the meeting disrupted the entire discussion.
Related Words:
- Hostile
- Aggressive
- Pugnacious
- Combative
- Quarrelsome
- Antagonistic
- Feisty
- Bellicose
- Contentious
- Fighting
Phrasal Verbs Related to Belligerent:
- Start a fight (to initiate conflict or become belligerent)
- Pick a fight (to provoke or engage in a belligerent altercation)
- Go off on (to become belligerent and verbally attack someone)
- Get into it (to engage in a belligerent dispute or argument)
- Fight back (to retaliate or respond aggressively, often in a belligerent manner)
Idiomatic Expressions Related to Belligerent:
- Push someone’s buttons (to provoke a belligerent reaction from someone)
- Bring it on (to challenge someone in a belligerent or confrontational way)
- Rattle someone’s cage (to provoke a belligerent reaction or disturb someone)
- Throw down the gauntlet (to issue a challenge, often in a belligerent or combative manner)
- Bite someone’s head off (to respond to someone sharply or in a belligerent way)
- Have a chip on your shoulder (to act in a belligerent or defensive manner, often due to perceived slights)
A belligerent person often creates an environment of tension or conflict, and their aggressive demeanor can escalate situations unnecessarily. While belligerence is sometimes associated with defense or self-preservation, it more often leads to problems in relationships or negotiations, as it blocks cooperative dialogue and resolution.
