aggression

noun

ag·​gres·​sion ə-ˈgre-shən How to pronounce aggression (audio)
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
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.
The ethics of threatening the victim of aggression apart, if SpaceX proves to be an unreliable provider we will be forced to look for other suppliers. Jason D. Greenblatt, MSNBC Newsweek, 2 Apr. 2025 In the wake of the US minimizing Russia’s aggression in Ukraine and casting doubts about its commitment to NATO, the European Union is now pushing all of its members to raise military budgets and issue debt to fund defense purchases. Miles Bryan, Vox, 31 Mar. 2025 The attack comes as Russia's aggression in Ukraine shows no signs of stopping despite efforts by President Donald Trump's administration to speed along peace talks. Anders Hagstrom, FOXNews.com, 30 Mar. 2025 In the Philippines, the US defense commitment is seen as a key deterrent to Chinese aggression. Simone McCarthy, CNN Money, 28 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

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Aggression.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/aggression. Accessed 7 Apr. 2025.

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

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