aggressor

noun

ag·​gres·​sor ə-ˈgre-sər 

: one that commits or practices aggression

Synonyms of aggressor

• invader
• raider
• attacker

Examples of aggressor in a Sentence

Each country accused the other of being the aggressor.

a group of smaller states had formed an alliance to deter potential aggressors

Recent Examples on the Web

Carlson isn’t alone; Steve Bannon, Candace Owens, and others in the Republican Party have tagged Israel as the aggressor, and the framing has become part of popular discourse and media reporting. —Jennifer Lutz, New York Daily News, 11 Apr. 2026

Rivera also was struck during the altercation, the report stated, but responding officers determined that Rivera, 31, had been the aggressor in the fight. —Caroline Kubzansky, Chicago Tribune, 9 Apr. 2026

The evidence will show the Court that Dakota has been the primary aggressor and has been violent and abusive toward me. —Angela Andaloro, PEOPLE, 7 Apr. 2026

Rizvi joined opener Pathum Nissanka, who was the initial aggressor in their 66-run stand. —ABC News, 4 Apr. 2026

Word History

Etymology

borrowed from Latin, "attacker, assailant," from aggredī, adgredī "to approach, attack" + -tor, agent suffix — more at aggress

First Known Use

1585, in the meaning defined above

Rhymes for aggressor

• assessor
• compressor
• confessor
• depressor
• hairdresser
• necessar
• oppressor
• possessor
• processor
• professor
• repressor
• successor

Kids Definition

aggressor

noun

ag·​gres·​sor ə-ˈgres-ər 

: a person or country that attacks without reasonable cause

Medical Definition

aggressor

noun

ag·​gres·​sor ə-ˈgres-ər 

: one who exhibits aggression