Warlike
/ˈwɔːr.laɪk/noun
Characterized by a tendency to engage in or promote war or conflict.
Did you know?The term 'warlike' reflects a historic reverence for the warrior class, where prowess in battle equated to social status and power, a belief still echoed in many cultures today.
Etymological Timeline
Proto-Indo-European
PIE
*wer-
“to perceive, to be aware, connected to the idea of struggle and conflict.”
Old English
OE
wer
“man, specifically a warrior or male fighter.”
Old English
OE
lice
“like, as, or resembling, used to form adjectives.”
Middle English
ME
warlike
“pertaining to or resembling war or warfare.”
Modern English
English
warlike
“characterized by a tendency towards war or conflict.”