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.

Synonyms of aggression

• aggressiveness
• hostility
• defiance
• fight
• belligerence

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

An additional 14 adolescent or adult Central males disappeared during that time, and their bodies were never recovered—these males hadn’t shown signs of illness, so at least some of them also may have been victims of Western chimpanzee aggression. —Jason P. Dinh, Scientific American, 9 Apr. 2026

For three seasons, Jimmy, a therapist grieving the loss of his wife, has used unconventional methods —think taking someone with aggression issues to a boxing ring — to get through to his patients. —Amy Amatangelo, Los Angeles Times, 9 Apr. 2026

Pakistan, which does not recognize the state of Israel, condemned the aggression. —Rhea Mogul, CNN Money, 9 Apr. 2026

Almost all the animals euthanized in 2025 had behavioral or health issues, including biting, aggression or contagious diseases that presented a danger to other pets in the shelter. —Ariane Lange, Sacbee.com, 9 Apr. 2026

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

Phrases Containing aggression

• anti-aggression
• counter-aggression

Rhymes for aggression

• accession
• compression
• concession
• confession
• depression
• digression
• discretion
• expression
• impression
• obsession
• oppression
• possession

Kids 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