aggressor

noun

ag·​gres·​sor ə-ˈgre-sər How to pronounce aggressor (audio)
: one that commits or practices aggression

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
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.
Even the country’s most liberal-leaning strategists, previously less critical of U.S. policy, now label Washington the aggressor and advocate for tougher measures to counter U.S. economic and foreign policy pressure. Tong Zhao, Foreign Affairs, 2 May 2025 Albert noted to 10 WBNS that aggressors can often find out information about a victim through public records. Lesley Cosme Torres, People.com, 2 May 2025 Ukraine and its European allies fear Trump will compromise too much with Putin to end the war as soon as possible instead of applying maximum pressure on Russia, the instigator and aggressor. Josh Hammer, MSNBC Newsweek, 15 Apr. 2025 When autocrats violate sovereignty, America’s response is to aid the autocrats by deporting their victims rather than sanctioning the aggressors overseas. Andy J. Semotiuk, Forbes.com, 14 Apr. 2025 See All Example Sentences for aggressor

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

Time Traveler
The first known use of aggressor was in 1585

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Aggressor.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/aggressor. Accessed 20 May. 2025.

Kids Definition

aggressor

noun
ag·​gres·​sor ə-ˈgres-ər How to pronounce aggressor (audio)
: a person or country that attacks without reasonable cause

Medical Definition

aggressor

noun
ag·​gres·​sor ə-ˈgres-ər How to pronounce aggressor (audio)
: one who exhibits aggression

More from Merriam-Webster on aggressor

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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