belligerency

[ buh-lij-er-uhn-see ]

noun

1. the position or status as a belligerent; state of being actually engaged in war.
2. belligerence.

belligerency

/ bɪˈlɪdʒərənsɪ /

noun

1. the state of being at war

Word History and Origins

Origin of belligerency¹

First recorded in 1860–65; belliger(ent) + -ency

Example Sentences

"We do want to have the region come to terms between all the countries and agree against any belligerency from any side to any other."

From Reuters

His belligerency and weapons programs make it difficult.

From Washington Post

There’s long been controversy in Japan over Article 9 of the national constitution, which bans war as a method of settling international disputes, renounces “belligerency” and limits the country to fighting only in self-defense.

From Los Angeles Times

“Deterrence arises from strength and never from weakness, because weakness invites belligerency,” Mr. Pompeo said.

From Washington Times

As Rosenberg notes, “The list of violent episodes would grow throughout the period of American belligerency and included, according to one account, the stoning of dachshunds on the streets of Milwaukee.”

From Washington Post