pugnacity

[ puhg-nas-i-tee ]

noun

1. readiness to quarrel or fight; combative or argumentative character:

   She was always defending him against the fallout from his pugnacity and lack of social graces.

Word History and Origins

Origin of pugnacity¹

First recorded in 1600–10; from Latin pugnācitās “combativeness,” equivalent to pugnāci-, stem of pugnāx “combative” + -tās -ty ²( def )

Example Sentences

But in between docility and pugnacity lies the pathway to effective debate moderation, and I thought Muir and Davis did a fine job walking that road on Tuesday night.

From Slate

Those are civil trials, but when we look at how that Trumpian pugnacity fares in criminal court, we see the same pattern: Belligerence may sell well on right wing social media, but it is no substitute for facts and reasoned argument in a courtroom.

From Salon

But while the political press were busy recoiling like salted slugs on a hot sidewalk over his vulgar pugnacity during the town hall, Mr. Trump was working side deals directly with voters.

From Washington Times

What counts is pugnacity, acting out and blind, unswerving allegiance to the party line.

From Los Angeles Times

He had better pick up his pace of invectives if he wants to compete in the Republican pugnacity sweepstakes.

From Washington Post