'belligerence' originates from Latin, specifically the word 'belligerentia,' where 'bellum' meant 'war' and 'gerere' meant 'to wage.'

'belligerentia' transformed into the French word 'belligerence,' and eventually became the modern English word 'belligerence' through Middle English.

Initially, it meant 'the act of waging war,' but over time it evolved into its current meaning of 'aggressive or warlike behavior.'