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
Americans lacked a sense of urgency about Nazi aggression.
—
Tamar Jacoby, Forbes.com, 14 Apr. 2025
Related article Ukraine’s European allies say Russian aggression is pushing peace out of reach, as US envoy meets Putin
The new administration has opened multiple channels to Moscow, following three years of diplomatic isolation.
—Andrew Carey and Victoria Butenko, CNN Money, 12 Apr. 2025
That tells you everything about how this other United trinity actually played on the pitch as opposed to on paper — as a fluid, interchangeable blend of power, technique, and aggression, granted the freedom to come at opponents from all angles.
—The Athletic Uk Staff, New York Times, 11 Apr. 2025
In some cases, jumping can also be due to aggression.
—David Faris, MSNBC Newsweek, 11 Apr. 2025
See All Example Sentences for aggression
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to
show current usage.
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Tamar Jacoby, Forbes.com, 14 Apr. 2025
Related article Ukraine’s European allies say Russian aggression is pushing peace out of reach, as US envoy meets Putin
The new administration has opened multiple channels to Moscow, following three years of diplomatic isolation.
—Andrew Carey and Victoria Butenko, CNN Money, 12 Apr. 2025
That tells you everything about how this other United trinity actually played on the pitch as opposed to on paper — as a fluid, interchangeable blend of power, technique, and aggression, granted the freedom to come at opponents from all angles.
—The Athletic Uk Staff, New York Times, 11 Apr. 2025
In some cases, jumping can also be due to aggression.
—David Faris, MSNBC Newsweek, 11 Apr. 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 23 Apr. 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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