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

Musk reacted to McCormick’s ruling with characteristic truculence.

From Los Angeles Times

Perhaps what the Panthers need is a few more bounces and a little less truculence.

From Washington Times

At an event in Rochester, N.H., later on Thursday, Mr. DeSantis flashed a hint of truculence after a reporter asked him about Mr. Trump’s claim that he could fix the country’s problems in six months.

From New York Times

One can consider DeSantis’s dislikes admirable but still wonder: Do most Republicans, does the nation, want another president defined by truculence?

From Washington Post

While Bobby knew of Jackie’s reputation for truculence and tolerated him nevertheless, he was careful not to include him in all areas of his life, knowing instinctively when Beers wouldn’t be welcomed by others.

From Literature