aggressor

noun

ag·​gres·​sor ə-ˈgre-sər 

: one that commits or practices aggression

Synonyms

• invader
• raider

Examples of aggressor in a Sentence

Each country accused the other of being the aggressor.

a group of smaller states had formed an alliance to deter potential aggressors

Recent Examples on the Web

The risk is clear: that a truce collapses, likely due to Russian action, Trump incorrectly believes Ukraine is to blame for spoiling his peace, and Ukraine’s aid is again frozen, this time with a more vindictive edge as they have been deemed the aggressor. —Nick Paton Walsh, CNN, 11 Mar. 2025

And victims, of course, should not be held up as aggressors. —Shadi Bartsch, Chicago Tribune, 6 Mar. 2025

Featuring a blend of fragrant botanical oils and skin-loving emollients, this quality formula offers lasting hydration to your hands and cuticles and helps keep them protected from day-to-day aggressors such as frequent hand washing, changes in the weather and air conditioning. —Denise Primbet, Glamour, 5 Mar. 2025

While Trump has appeared to blame Ukraine for starting the war, Americans generally see Russia as the aggressor in the conflict, the Reuters/Ipsos poll found. —Jason Lange, USA TODAY, 5 Mar. 2025

Word History

Etymology

borrowed from Latin, "attacker, assailant," from aggredī, adgredī "to approach, attack" + -tor, agent suffix — more at aggress

First Known Use

1585, in the meaning defined above

Rhymes for aggressor

• assessor
• compressor
• confessor
• depressor
• hairdresser
• necessar
• oppressor
• possessor
• processor
• professor
• repressor
• successor

Kids Definition

aggressor

noun

ag·​gres·​sor ə-ˈgres-ər 

: a person or country that attacks without reasonable cause

Medical Definition

aggressor

noun

ag·​gres·​sor ə-ˈgres-ər 

: one who exhibits aggression