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belligerent

bel·lig·er·ent [ bə líjjərənt ]


adjective 
Definition:
 
1. hostile or aggressive: hostile, ready to start a fight, or ready to go to war

2. engaged in war: taking part in warfare, especially in a war recognized by international law

3. of belligerent nation: relating to or characteristic of a participant in war or a fight



noun  (plural bel·lig·er·ents)
Definition:
 
participant in war: a participant in a war or fight, especially a nation engaged in a war recognized by international law

[Late 16th century. < Latin belligerant-, present participle of belligerare "wage war" < belliger "carrying on war" < bellum "war" + gerere "carry on"]

bel·lig·er·ent·ly adverb
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