1. not engaged in or involved in war; not taking an active military role in a conflict
Usage: often used in international relations and political contexts

1. a country or party that is not engaged in warfare; a neutral party in a conflict
Usage: used in diplomatic and military contexts

Examples

• During World War II, several nations maintained a nonbelligerent status despite pressure from both sides.
• The nonbelligerent countries provided humanitarian aid without taking military action.
• Switzerland declared itself nonbelligerent throughout the conflict.
• As a nonbelligerent, the nation could still trade with other countries.
• The treaty recognized the rights of nonbelligerents to remain outside the war.
• Many nonbelligerent states faced difficult diplomatic choices during the crisis.