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

Its body oil slash shimmering sunscreen is resistant to water, fights off environmental aggressors that might irritate the skin, and, most importantly, benefits from Sol de Janeiro’s sumptuous Cheirosa 87 scent. —Stacia Datskovska, Footwear News, 26 Dec. 2025

The Inkey List’s Vitamin B, C, and E Moisturizer helps control excess oil, shields against environmental aggressors such as pollution, and provides deep hydration in one go. —Jacqueline Kilikita, Refinery29, 24 Dec. 2025

Certainly, the Bears are talking like the aggressors these days. —Jon Greenberg, New York Times, 17 Dec. 2025

Transnational justice can be hijacked, with aggressors trying to portray themselves as victims. —Valerie Morkevicius, The Conversation, 15 Dec. 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