pugnacity

noun

pug·​nac·​i·​ty ˌpəgˈnasətē 

-sətē, 

-i

plural -es

: fighting instinct : ready response to challenge : courage, aggressiveness, truculence

some children … seem to be born fighting and never wish to repudiate their native pugnacity

—Margaret Hay

retain … the pugnacity developed in their struggle for full civil status

—William Petersen

Word History

Etymology

Latin pugnacitas, from pugnac-, pugnax + -itas -ity

The Ultimate Dictionary Awaits

Expand your vocabulary and dive deeper into language with Merriam-Webster Unabridged.

1. Expanded definitions
2. Detailed etymologies
3. Advanced search tools
4. All ad-free

Discover what makes Merriam-Webster Unabridged the essential choice for true word lovers.

Start Your Free Trial Now

Rhymes for pugnacity

• audacity
• capacity
• loquacity
• mendacity
• opacity
• rapacity
• sagacity
• tenacity
• veracity
• vivacity
• voracity
• incapacity