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
These examples are automatically compiled from online sources to illustrate current usage. Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.
As the world approaches the third anniversary of the war that began when Russia invaded Ukraine in February 2022, a new documentary celebrates the Ukrainian citizens who have found ways to resist the aggression by refusing to let the war derail their passions. Christian Zilko, IndieWire, 24 Oct. 2024 The bigger problem is that people often misinterpret a toothy smile as aggression and become scared, Haug says. Clare Mulroy, USA TODAY, 24 Oct. 2024 While the West has supported Ukraine in its defense against Russian aggression, the United States and our European allies have taken care so far to avoid direct confrontation with Russia. Elizabeth Shackelford, Chicago Tribune, 18 Oct. 2024 Comments made in July by former President and Republican nominee Donald Trump, for example, sparked fresh doubt about America’s commitment to defend Taiwan from Chinese aggression. Eleanor Pringle, Fortune, 17 Oct. 2024 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

Dictionary Entries Near aggression

Cite this Entry

“Aggression.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/aggression. Accessed 5 Nov. 2024.

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

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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