warlike

Warlike is an adjective used to describe attitudes, cultures, nations, groups, or objects that are inclined toward war or prepared for combat. It can refer to aggressive tendencies, militarized practices, or a propensity to engage in conflict. The term often carries evaluative nuance, implying that such tendencies are problematic or threatening, though not always pejorative; its exact sense depends on context. The opposite concept is peaceful or pacific.

In historical, political, and anthropological discourse, warlike describes societies that prize martial prowess, maintain standing armies, or practice warlike rituals and propaganda. In military analysis, it may characterize doctrine or strategy oriented toward conflict. In everyday usage, it can describe individuals or organizations with a tendency to escalate disputes or to favor force over negotiation.

Etymology and related terms: the word is formed from the noun war plus the suffix -like and is typically written as a single word, though older texts may hyphenate as war-like. Closely related terms include bellicose, belligerent, militaristic, and pugilistic; antonyms include peaceful, pacific, and nonbelligerent. The distinctions among these terms are subtle and context-dependent; warlike emphasizes inclination toward war, while bellicose or belligerent may carry stronger connotations of aggression or legal hostility.

See also: bellicose; belligerence; militarism; pacifism; nonbelligerent.