aggressor

noun

ag·​gres·​sor ə-ˈgre-sər How to pronounce aggressor (audio)
: one that commits or practices aggression

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
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Her defense argued that Owens had been the aggressor in the dispute and cited Lorincz’ mental health. Marni Rose McFall, MSNBC Newsweek, 13 Oct. 2025 The offensive line, which was a major question mark coming into the season, was the aggressor all night and kept the Wolverines on their heels. The Athletic College Football Staff, New York Times, 12 Oct. 2025 Drones allow aggressors to target critical infrastructure that cripples a defender’s economy at low cost and with high accuracy. Omar Al-Ubaydli, semafor.com, 8 Oct. 2025 Republicans, traditionally seen as more hostile to government, are often viewed as the shutdown aggressors. W. James Antle Iii, The Washington Examiner, 2 Oct. 2025 See All Example Sentences for aggressor

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

Time Traveler
The first known use of aggressor was in 1585

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Aggressor.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/aggressor. Accessed 15 Oct. 2025.

Kids Definition

aggressor

noun
ag·​gres·​sor ə-ˈgres-ər How to pronounce aggressor (audio)
: a person or country that attacks without reasonable cause

Medical Definition

aggressor

noun
ag·​gres·​sor ə-ˈgres-ər How to pronounce aggressor (audio)
: one who exhibits aggression

More from Merriam-Webster on aggressor

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