aggression

noun

ag·​gres·​sion ə-ˈgre-shən How to pronounce aggression (audio)
Synonyms of aggressionnext
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.

Synonyms

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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
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
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

Word History

Etymology

borrowed from French & Latin; French agression, going back to Middle French, "attack," borrowed from Latin aggressiōn-, aggressiō, from aggredī "to approach, attack" + -tiōn-, -tiō, suffix of action nouns — more at aggress

First Known Use

1611, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of aggression was in 1611

Phrases Containing aggression

Rhymes for aggression

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Browse Nearby Words

aggression
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Cite this Entry

“Aggression.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/aggression. Accessed 23 Mar. 2025.

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Kids Definition

aggression

noun
ag·​gres·​sion ə-ˈgresh-ən How to pronounce aggression (audio)
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 How to pronounce aggression (audio)
: hostile, injurious, or destructive behavior or outlook

More from Merriam-Webster on aggression

Nglish: Translation of aggression for Spanish Speakers

Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about aggression

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