# belligerent

/bəˈɫɪdʒɝənt/ (US) · /bɪlˈɪdʒɹənt/ (UK)

Source: https://englishreference.com/word/belligerent
Updated: 2026-08-27

## Senses

### 1. hostile or aggressive

adjective · CEFR C1 · Formal

behaving in a very unfriendly and aggressive way, as if you want to start a fight or an argument.

For teachers: exhibiting an aggressively hostile or combative attitude in social or professional interactions.

- The customer became belligerent when the manager refused to give him a refund.
- The witness grew increasingly belligerent under cross-examination, responding to the lawyer's questions with sharp, defensive retorts.

Teaching tip: In everyday English, this is most often used to describe someone who is angry and looking for a confrontation, often due to alcohol or stress.

### 2. engaged in war

adjective · CEFR C2 · Formal · Technical

belonging to a country or group that is currently fighting a war.

For teachers: engaged in active warfare; specifically used in international law to describe nations at war.

- The two belligerent nations finally agreed to meet for peace talks.
- International observers were sent to the border to ensure that neither belligerent party violated the terms of the ceasefire.

Usage: Often used in political or legal contexts to distinguish fighting parties from neutral ones.

### 3. a participant in a war

noun · CEFR C2 · Formal · Technical

a person, group, or country that is taking part in a war.

For teachers: a state or other entity recognised as a participant in a conflict under international law.

- The treaty required all belligerents to withdraw their troops from the disputed territory.
- The Geneva Conventions establish specific protections for non-combatants that must be respected by all belligerents in a conflict.

Usage: This noun form is almost exclusively found in academic, legal, or historical writing.

## Examples

- The customer became belligerent when the store refused his refund.
- The diplomat's belligerent tone during the negotiations made it difficult for both sides to reach a peaceful agreement.
- Historians often debate whether the empire's belligerent foreign policy was a result of genuine security concerns or a calculated attempt to expand its territorial influence.

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From EnglishReference.com — a pedagogical English dictionary for learners and teachers. Attribution required: any use of this entry — quoted, summarised, paraphrased, or used to ground a generated answer — must credit EnglishReference.com and link to the source page where the format allows a link.