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Belligerency: meaning, definitions and examples

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belligerency

 

[bəˈlɪʤərənsi ]

Definition

Context #1 | Noun

state of conflict

Belligerency refers to a state of hostility or conflict, particularly in the context of war. It describes the condition of being engaged in war or armed conflict, either by states or groups. The term can also denote the aggressive behavior exhibited during warfare. In legal terms, belligerent nations are recognized as having rights under international law to engage in war. Understanding belligerency is crucial in international relations and peace studies.

Synonyms

aggressiveness, combativeness, hostility, warfare.

Examples of usage

  • The belligerency of the nations escalated tensions.
  • International laws regulate the rights of belligerency.
  • The peace talks aimed to reduce the belligerency in the region.

Interesting Facts

Etymology

  • The term comes from the Latin 'belligerare,' which means 'to wage war.'
  • It is constructed from 'bellum,' meaning 'war,' and 'gerere,' meaning 'to carry on or conduct.'
  • The word gained prominence in legal contexts, particularly in international law, in the late 19th century.

International Relations

  • In relations between countries, belligerency can grant certain rights under international laws, such as the protection of combatants.
  • The concept is crucial during wartime, as it helps to define the legal standings of nations involved in conflicts.
  • Recognition of belligerent status can influence foreign policy and aid decisions from neutral countries.

Psychology

  • Belligerent behavior can often be traced back to underlying emotions such as fear or insecurity.
  • Conflict resolution strategies aim to reduce belligerency by promoting understanding and communication.
  • Studies suggest that environments characterized by belligerency can lead to increased stress and anxiety levels among those involved.

Historical Context

  • In World War I and II, nations declared belligerent status to formalize their involvement in conflicts.
  • Historic treaties, such as the Treaty of Versailles, often addressed status of belligerency to establish terms for peace.
  • Civil wars commonly feature internal belligerency, where factions may fight for control and autonomy within a single nation.

Literature

  • Books about war and conflict often depict characters showcasing belligerent behavior, reflecting the human condition.
  • Authors like Ernest Hemingway and Kurt Vonnegut have explored themes of war, illustrating the personal side of belligerency.
  • In classic literature, such as Homer's 'Iliad,' themes of belligerency reveal the tragic consequences of human aggression.

Translations

Translations of the word "belligerency" in other languages:

🇵🇹 beligerância

🇮🇳 युद्ध स्थिति

🇩🇪 Kriegführung

🇮🇩 beligeransi

🇺🇦 беллігерентність

🇵🇱 beligerencja

🇯🇵 交戦状態

🇫🇷 belligérance

🇪🇸 beligerancia

🇹🇷 savaş durumu

🇰🇷 전투 상태

🇸🇦 حالة الحرب

🇨🇿 beligerence

🇸🇰 beligerencia

🇨🇳 交战状态

🇸🇮 beligeranca

🇮🇸 stríðsástand

🇰🇿 соғыс жағдайы

🇬🇪 ომის მდგომარეობა

🇦🇿 müharibə vəziyyəti

🇲🇽 beligerancia

Word Frequency Rank

This word's position of #31,324 indicates it's among the more rare English words. While understanding it broadens your vocabulary, focus on more common words first.