WorldJuly 14, 2026

belligerent

/bəˈlɪdʒərənt/

Definition

A nation or state engaged in a recognized, formal war or armed conflict.

Etymology

Derived from the Latin word 'belligerans,' which is the present participle of 'belligerare,' meaning 'to wage war.' It combines 'bellum' (war) and 'gerere' (to carry on or wage).

In the news

The article uses the term in the phrase 'co-belligerent state' to describe a nation that is actively involved in an armed conflict, which is a key factor in determining the legal status of captured individuals.

Behind Enemy Lines: The Protection Gap Between POWs and Captured Nonstate Actors Under International Humanitarian Law

Read the full article ↗

Opinio Juris

Related words

acquiescence

The act of accepting, complying, or giving in to something without protest, often…

World

annexation

The formal act of acquiring or incorporating territory into an existing state, often…

World

arbiter

A person or body authorized to make a final decision, settle a dispute, or act as an…

World

artivism

The practice of using artistic expression as a medium for social or political protest and…

World

attaché

A diplomatic official who is assigned to an embassy as an expert in a specific field,…

World

barbarism

Extreme cruelty, lack of civilization, or actions characterized by brutal and inhumane…

World

Learn a word like this every day

Meet one new word every morning.

Newspoken pulls one carefully chosen word from the day’s news — with a clear definition, context, and light review that makes it stick. Get it on your phone.

Not for marketing. One email on launch day.