1. aggressive or warlike behavior; hostility
2. the status of being engaged in war or conflict
Usage: legal; formal

Examples

• The diplomat’s belligerency made negotiations nearly impossible.
• His constant belligerency toward his coworkers created a hostile work environment.
• The nation’s belligerency was evident in its military buildup.
• The treaty aimed to end the belligerency between the two countries.
• Her belligerency in the debate surprised everyone who knew her gentle nature.
• The court recognized the state of belligerency between the warring factions.