nonbelligerent

[ non-buh-lij-er-uhnt ]

adjective

1. of or relating to a country whose status or policy is one of nonbelligerency.

noun

1. a nation that does not engage officially in a war but openly favors or gives aid to one of the active participants.

Word History and Origins

Origin of nonbelligerent¹

First recorded in 1905–10; non- + belligerent

Example Sentences

The issue is sensitive for the U.S. government, which has cast itself as a nonbelligerent friend to the government in Kyiv as it fights for its sovereignty and survival.

From Washington Post

“It is rare that a nonthreatening, nonbelligerent person ends up dying like this. ... What was the officers’ justification for detaining him?

From Los Angeles Times

Over time, such cooperation could gradually acclimate Arab peoples to a nonbelligerent stance toward Israel.

From Washington Post

Related Words

• amicable
• bloodless
• calm
• harmonious
• neutral
• nonviolent
• peace-loving
• placid
• quiet
• smooth
• steady
• tranquil