Hostile and aggressive; eager to fight or argue. Can describe both individuals who are confrontational and nations engaged in warfare.
From Latin 'belligerans' meaning 'waging war,' from 'bellum' (war) + 'gerere' (to wage, carry on). Originally a legal/military term for nations at war, it expanded to describe any aggressive, hostile behavior.
Think 'BELLY-gerent' - like someone whose belly is full of anger and ready to fight! Or remember 'BELL-igerent' - ringing the bell for war. The 'belli-' root appears in 'rebellion' and 'bellicose' too.
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