aggression
noun
ag·gres·sion
ə-ˈgre-shən 
1
: a forceful action or procedure (such as an unprovoked attack) especially when intended to dominate or master
2
: the practice of making attacks or encroachments
especially
: unprovoked violation by one country of the territorial integrity of another
warned that any act of aggression could start a war
3
: hostile, injurious, or destructive behavior or outlook especially when caused by frustration
Aggression is often the expression of pent-up rage.
Examples of aggression in a Sentence
He has a lot of pent-up aggression.
behavior that is likely to provoke aggression
dangerous dogs showing aggression toward people
The government says that it will view any attempt to fly over its territory as an act of aggression.
Recent Examples on the Web
Ukraine wants a clear security guarantee to deter Russian aggression down the line, but the U.S. wants to discuss that later.
—
Faisal Kutty, Newsweek, 11 Mar. 2025
Charles has been demonstrative in his support for Ukraine defending itself against Russian aggression, issuing statements and making regular visits to relief organizations that help refugees from the war, as the New York Times pointed out.
—Martha Ross, The Mercury News, 10 Mar. 2025
Whether President Donald Trump’s unconventional diplomacy succeeds in furthering American interests and halting Russian aggression in Ukraine will be determined in the coming months.
—Editorial, Boston Herald, 8 Mar. 2025
President Joe Biden was correct to take a stand against Russian aggression in Ukraine.
—Chris Roemer, Baltimore Sun, 6 Mar. 2025
See All Example Sentences for aggression
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Faisal Kutty, Newsweek, 11 Mar. 2025
Charles has been demonstrative in his support for Ukraine defending itself against Russian aggression, issuing statements and making regular visits to relief organizations that help refugees from the war, as the New York Times pointed out.
—Martha Ross, The Mercury News, 10 Mar. 2025
Whether President Donald Trump’s unconventional diplomacy succeeds in furthering American interests and halting Russian aggression in Ukraine will be determined in the coming months.
—Editorial, Boston Herald, 8 Mar. 2025
President Joe Biden was correct to take a stand against Russian aggression in Ukraine.
—Chris Roemer, Baltimore Sun, 6 Mar. 2025
See All Example Sentences for aggression
Cite this Entry
“Aggression.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/aggression. Accessed 20 Mar. 2025.
Copy CitationKids Definition
aggression
noun
ag·gres·sion
ə-ˈgresh-ən
1
: an attack made without reasonable cause
2
: the practice of making attacks
3
: hostile or destructive behavior or outlook
Etymology
derived from Latin aggredi "to attack," from ad- "to" and gradi "to step, go"
Medical Definition
aggression
noun
ag·gres·sion
ə-ˈgresh-ən
: hostile, injurious, or destructive behavior or outlook
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