aggressor

noun

ag·​gres·​sor ə-ˈgre-sər 

: one that commits or practices aggression

Synonyms

• invader
• raider

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

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

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