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.
So perhaps the podcast was both: an act of love and an act of aggression. Lili Anolik, Vulture, 12 Nov. 2024 Common symptoms of a rapid squirrel include walking in circles, falling over, drooling, aggression, and seizures and muscle spasms, Critter Control reports. Greta Cross, USA TODAY, 4 Nov. 2024 Our adversaries like Russia, China, Iran, and North Korea are working closer together than ever before and appear far more willing to undertake acts of aggression. Pat Fallon, National Review, 3 Nov. 2024 Mars — the planet of action, aggression and desire — is known for its impulsive energy and eagerness to tackle obstacles head-on. Valerie Mesa, People.com, 2 Nov. 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 21 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

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