aggression

noun

ag·​gres·​sion ə-ˈgre-shən 

1

: a forceful action or procedure (such as an unprovoked attack) especially when intended to dominate or master

2

: the practice of making attacks or encroachments

especially : unprovoked violation by one country of the territorial integrity of another

warned that any act of aggression could start a war

3

: hostile, injurious, or destructive behavior or outlook especially when caused by frustration

Aggression is often the expression of pent-up rage.

Synonyms of aggression

• aggressiveness
• hostility
• defiance
• belligerence

Examples of aggression in a Sentence

He has a lot of pent-up aggression.

behavior that is likely to provoke aggression

dangerous dogs showing aggression toward people

The government says that it will view any attempt to fly over its territory as an act of aggression.

Recent Examples on the Web

His combination of size, skill and aggression makes the big winger a candidate for the skill lines, and the foot speed is another value add. — Allan Mitchell, New York Times, 16 Sep. 2026

The savage purge since June of high-momentum stocks – dominated by AI hardware and related industrials – has sapped the bullish aggression of traders, helping to reset tactical sentiment toward a more neutral level. — Michael Santoli, CNBC, 15 Sep. 2026

Those four regions claimed by Moscow -- Kherson, Zaporizhzhia, Donetsk and Luhansk -- are on both the geographic and ideological frontlines of the Kremlin's war of aggression. — David Brennan, ABC News, 15 Sep. 2026

In the 2025-26 school year compared to the year prior, for example, the number of physical aggression, fighting and technology violations decreased, as did students leaving without permission, Monday’s presentation noted. — Molly Morrow, Chicago Tribune, 15 Sep. 2026

Word History

Etymology

borrowed from French & Latin; French agression, going back to Middle French, "attack," borrowed from Latin aggressiōn-, aggressiō, from aggredī "to approach, attack" + -tiōn-, -tiō, suffix of action nouns — more at aggress

First Known Use

1611, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Phrases Containing aggression

• anti-aggression
• counter-aggression

Rhymes for aggression

• accession
• compression
• concession
• confession
• depression
• digression
• discretion
• expression
• impression
• obsession
• oppression
• possession

Kids Definition

aggression

noun

ag·​gres·​sion ə-ˈgresh-ən 

1

: an attack made without reasonable cause

2

: the practice of making attacks

3

: hostile or destructive behavior or outlook

Etymology

derived from Latin aggredi "to attack," from ad- "to" and gradi "to step, go"

Medical Definition

aggression

noun

ag·​gres·​sion ə-ˈgresh-ən 

: hostile, injurious, or destructive behavior or outlook