aggressor

noun

ag·​gres·​sor ə-ˈgre-sər 

: one that commits or practices aggression

Synonyms

• 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

Where many of Krishna’s battles end in death for the aggressor, this story is remarkable for its mercy—Krishna spares Kaliya after the snake’s wives and children emerge from the pond to plead on his behalf. —Seamus Sullivan september 29, Literary Hub, 29 Sep. 2025

The uniformly white Norman aggressors are portrayed as proto-colonialists. —Will Collins, The Washington Examiner, 19 Sep. 2025

And with a boost of antioxidants from La Roche-Posay’s signature thermal spring water, the face serum makes skin more resilient, protecting it from free radicals and environmental aggressors alike. —Danielle Cohen, Glamour, 18 Sep. 2025

The aggressor is intensifying attacks on Ukrainian cities, energy facilities, enterprises, and infrastructure. —Dmytro Razumkov, Time, 16 Sep. 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