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

Martinez denies ramming them and said agents were the aggressors. —Natasha Korecki, NBC news, 6 Feb. 2026

Most Americans don’t want our nation to be an imperial aggressor threatening, conquering and plundering weaker nations. —Washington Post, 2 Feb. 2026

Prosecutors argue that stand your ground should not apply, asserting that neither Ordonez nor Cutshaw were the aggressors in the confrontation. —Joan Murray, CBS News, 2 Feb. 2026

These governments are easily rich enough to afford the sort of national militaries needed to deter potential aggressors and uphold stability in their respective regions. —Peter Harris, The Conversation, 28 Jan. 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