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

In his 27th year leading NFL teams, Chiefs head coach Andy Reid has turned up the dial on his fourth-down aggression. —Kansas City Star, 28 Nov. 2025

Sidelined European leaders, fearing for their own security amid Russian aggression, are angling for deeper involvement in the process. —Katie Marie Davies The Associated Press, Arkansas Online, 28 Nov. 2025

Puppy training builds the foundation for lifelong good behavior, and should be carried out using positive reinforcement, which means rewarding the pup with treats, praise or affection for good behaviors, and never punishing them for bad ones, which can cause fear or aggression. —Maria Azzurra Volpe, MSNBC Newsweek, 28 Nov. 2025

The best way to break up the candies (and get out any aggression) is to smash them in a zip-top bag with a rolling pin or meat mallet. —Alana Al-Hatlani, Southern Living, 27 Nov. 2025

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