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

One of Russia’s key oil industry facilities and the aggressor’s logistics facility were hit. — Brady Knox, The Washington Examiner, 20 Sep. 2026

Now is the right moment to take new sanctions steps against the aggressor and force peace through strength. — Eric MacK, FOXNews.com, 20 Sep. 2026

It’s also packed with antioxidants, which help protect hair from UV light and other external aggressors. — Deanna Pai, Glamour, 10 Sep. 2026

Prosecutors said Anthony provoked Metcalf, and witnesses testified that Anthony was the aggressor. — ABC News, 19 Aug. 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