Belligerent

Meaning

Hostile, aggressive, or engaged in warfare; can describe a state at war or any combative posture.

Origin / Etymology

From Latin 'belligerantem', 'bellum' (war) + 'gerere' (to wage). Same root as 'bellicose'.

Synonyms

Hostile Combative Pugnacious

Antonyms

Pacific Conciliatory Irenic

Example Sentence

"Despite the belligerent rhetoric from non-state armed groups in the Sahel, India's contingent in MONUSCO continues humanitarian and stabilisation operations under UN mandate."

🎯 UPSC Usage

GS2 IR / GS3 Security: Use for state and non-state actors in conflict, belligerent parties (international humanitarian law term), belligerent rhetoric, belligerent powers.

Relevant Subjects