pugnacious

Pugnacious is an adjective describing someone or something that is eager or quick to fight or quarrel; aggressively combative or disputatious. The term conveys a readiness to challenge or engage in conflict, sometimes more about temperament than actual violence. It can apply to people, animals, or even ideas that invite confrontation, and it often carries a slightly negative connotation.

Etymology: The word comes from Latin pugnax, meaning "inclined to fight," from pugnare "to fight." It entered English in the 16th century via Old French forms such as pugnace.

Usage: In contemporary prose, pugnacious usually suggests a habit of provoking or resisting others rather than adhering to reasoned argument. It can describe a feisty personality, a dog that bares its teeth, or a political stance that embraces confrontation.

Synonyms include combative, belligerent, and truculent; antonyms include peaceful, conciliatory, and nonconfrontational.

Related concepts include aggressiveness and contentiousness.