truculence

[ truhk-yuh-luhns, troo-kyuh- ]

noun

1. the quality or attitude of being aggressively hostile; belligerence:

   The clash has ominously deepened truculence on both sides over ongoing territorial disputes.

   The new recruits both appear to have the requisite size, speed, and truculence which their coach demands from his forwards.

2. the quality or condition of being barbarous, cruel, or brutally harsh:

   Not only did the dictator manage to stay in power, but his truculence and brutality remained intact.

Word History and Origins

Origin of truculence¹

First recorded in 1720–30; from Latin truculentia “savageness”; truculent ( def ), -ence ( def )

Example Sentences

As Hart writes, “Nike was a place where raw ambition was celebrated and Capriotti found himself at home among even the most truculent executives.”

From Outside Online

There was a hint of truculence when challenged to be specific on policy.

From The Daily Beast

High cheek bones and prominent maxillary muscles enhanced the truculence indicated by his chin.

From Project Gutenberg

You are not to be improved by the piety of his expression, nor disgusted by its truculence.

From Project Gutenberg

Rome had been roused to unwonted fury, and the truculence of the rebels was matched by the cruelty of their masters.

From Project Gutenberg

"I've got to go back to Hampton," repeated Ditmar, with a suggestion of truculence that took his friend aback.

From Project Gutenberg

The earlier Reviewers were discreditably savage on women-writers, and Lady Morgan had her share of their truculence.

From Project Gutenberg