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.
The next step for Adell is to add some more discipline to that aggression. Jeff Fletcher, Oc Register, 27 Sep. 2025 Historically, security at ICE facilities has been about protecting agents and detainees from internal threats like detainee aggression, or gang violence, mimicking the criminal justice system, according to experts, ICE detentions standards and the detainee handbook. Rick Jervis, USA Today, 25 Sep. 2025 Russia’s unsubstantiated claims that NATO is plotting armed provocations against Transnistria could be a pretext for Moscow’s meddling in Moldova, raising concerns about further military aggression in the region. Brendan Cole, MSNBC Newsweek, 25 Sep. 2025 To redefine masculinity is to break down traditional associations with strength, aggression, and emotional detachment. Caterina De Biasio, Vogue, 24 Sep. 2025 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

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Aggression.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/aggression. Accessed 1 Oct. 2025.

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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