belligerency

noun

bel·​lig·​er·​en·​cy bə-ˈli-jə-rən(t)-sē How to pronounce belligerency (audio)
-ˈlij-
1
: the state of being at war or in conflict
specifically : the status of a legally recognized belligerent state or nation
2

Examples of belligerency in a Sentence

an inveterate belligerency that needs to be addressed by classes in anger management
Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Congress has given away its power to declare war to the president, handing over the ability to take the nation from a state of peace to a state of belligerency or co-belligerency. Armstrong Williams, Baltimore Sun, 7 July 2024 Credibility requires consistency, not belligerency. Keren Yarhi-Milo, Foreign Affairs, 12 Dec. 2017 Furthermore, pursuant to Additional Protocol I, Article 47(1), mercenaries do not qualify as combatants, and as such, cannot benefit from the privilege of belligerency. Dr. Ewelina U. Ochab, Forbes, 12 June 2022

Word History

First Known Use

1815, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of belligerency was in 1815

Dictionary Entries Near belligerency

Cite this Entry

“Belligerency.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/belligerency. Accessed 30 Nov. 2024.

Kids Definition

belligerency

noun
bel·​lig·​er·​en·​cy bə-ˈlij-(ə-)rən-sē How to pronounce belligerency (audio)
1
: the state of being at war
2

Legal Definition

belligerency

noun
bel·​lig·​er·​en·​cy bə-ˈli-jə-rən-sē How to pronounce belligerency (audio)
: the state of being at war or in conflict
specifically : the status whereby a recognized military force is granted the protection of the international laws of war

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