C2nounformalconflictpsychology
US/bəˈlɪdʒ.ər.əns/
UK/bəˈlɪdʒ.ər.əns/
an angry, aggressive attitude that makes a person want to fight or argue
In context
His belligerence at the meeting made everyone uncomfortable.
The country's belligerence toward its neighbors worried the United Nations.
She answered the officer's questions with open belligerence.
Words that go with belligerence
adjective + noun
- open belligerenceThe crowd met the speaker with open belligerence.
- sheer belligerenceHe won the argument through sheer belligerence.
- growing belligerenceGrowing belligerence between the two states alarmed observers.
verb + noun
- show belligerenceThe captain showed belligerence toward the referee.
- provoke belligerenceThe question seemed to provoke belligerence in him.
noun + preposition
- belligerence towardHis belligerence toward colleagues cost him the job.