warpath

/ˌwɔrˈpæθ/

Other forms: warpaths

A warpath is either the road to a battle or a hostile, aggressive mood. Note: there's probably going to be trouble when someone is on either warpath.

This was originally a Native American term for a real path: a warpath was the route taken on the way to a known or planned conflict. The warpath was the way to war. From there, this became a general term for being angry or combative — usually preceded by the words on the. A volatile, swearing boss is on the warpath. An angry driver swearing at other drivers is on the warpath. It's best to avoid people when they're on the warpath.

Definitions of warpath

1. noun

   a course leading to warfare or battle
   type of:

   path, way, way of life

   a course of conduct
2. noun

   hostile or belligerent mood
   “the chief is on the warpath today”

   type of:

   belligerence, belligerency

   hostile or warlike attitude or nature