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
• 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

Dangers of aggression Diseases that cause dementia damage the parts of the brain that regulate impulse control and perception. — Jordan Rau, NPR, 30 Sep. 2026

This aggression is possible in large part because the institutions responsible for managing the oceans are ineffectual. — Michael Albertus, Foreign Affairs, 30 Sep. 2026

For more than four years, neither country has managed to establish rules and laws to stop Russian citizens who have supported Putin’s aggression against Ukraine from sharing war propaganda within their borders. — Dominik Hasek, Washington Post, 30 Sep. 2026

Large sections of chairs in the hall were empty as delegations filed out in protest of Iranian aggression. — Robin Wright, New Yorker, 26 Sep. 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