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

Rogers previously served in a space aggressors unit in the US Air Force, taking up against US space operators in war game and military exercises. — Stephen Clark, ArsTechnica, 30 July 2026

Police say the video contradicted Medina’s claims that Cox was the aggressor. — Nate Gartrell, Mercury News, 30 July 2026

In some physical altercations, both residents were aggressors, while other fights were one-sided. — Jordan Rau, NPR, 19 July 2026

Coach Natalie Nakase said before the game her team still must do a better job of being the aggressor. — ABC News, 18 July 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