belligerent Meaning, Definition & Usage

  1. noun someone who fights (or is fighting)
    scrapper; combatant; fighter; battler.
  2. adjective satellite characteristic of an enemy or one eager to fight
    aggressive.
    • aggressive acts against another country
    • a belligerent tone
  3. adjective satellite engaged in war
    militant; warring; war-ridden.
    • belligerent (or warring) nations

WordNet

Bel*lig"er*ent adjective
Etymology
L. bellum war + gerens, -entis, waging, p. pr. of gerere to wage: cf. F. belligérant. See Bellicose, Jest.
Definitions
  1. Waging war; carrying on war. "Belligerent powers." E. Everett.
  2. Pertaining, or tending, to war; of or relating to belligerents; as, a belligerent tone; belligerent rights.
Bel*lig"er*ent noun
Definitions
  1. A nation or state recognized as carrying on war; a person engaged in warfare.

Webster 1913