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

So the primary objective is to basically create the conditions under which Israel and the United States are deterred from committing an act of aggression against Iran ever again. —Isaac Chotiner, New Yorker, 25 Mar. 2026

Heavy viewers of reality TV shows that depict aggression and strife in relationships are more likely to overestimate the extent to which real-life romantic relationships involve conflict, found a small psychology study published in 2013 by University of Wisconsin, Madison researchers. —Renée Onque, CNBC, 25 Mar. 2026

In layering on Robby’s aggression without the checks and balances of other characters’ responses to it, The Pitt is in danger of making his point of view its point of view. —Roxana Hadadi, Vulture, 24 Mar. 2026

Not writing about one’s sibling might be an act of protection rather than aggression. —Christine Smallwood, Harpers Magazine, 24 Mar. 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