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.
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
Both cited trade deadline aggression from general manager Brian Cashman as their reason for picking the Yankees.
—
Tim Crowley, MSNBC Newsweek, 16 July 2025
Gone is the bulky cladding, revealing the raw aggression of the Wilbers chassis, boxer engine, and extra-long swingarm.
—New Atlas, 15 July 2025
The eagle’s intent watching of the tourists might have foreshadowed the aggression, Miranda says.
—Joshua Rapp Learn, Smithsonian Magazine, 14 July 2025
According to him, the city inhabitants were feeling betrayed when it became known that Mariupol's mayor and his administration had left the city in the first days of the full-scale Russian aggression.
—ABC News, 12 July 2025
See All Example Sentences for aggression
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Tim Crowley, MSNBC Newsweek, 16 July 2025
Gone is the bulky cladding, revealing the raw aggression of the Wilbers chassis, boxer engine, and extra-long swingarm.
—New Atlas, 15 July 2025
The eagle’s intent watching of the tourists might have foreshadowed the aggression, Miranda says.
—Joshua Rapp Learn, Smithsonian Magazine, 14 July 2025
According to him, the city inhabitants were feeling betrayed when it became known that Mariupol's mayor and his administration had left the city in the first days of the full-scale Russian aggression.
—ABC News, 12 July 2025
See All Example Sentences for aggression
Cite this Entry
“Aggression.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/aggression. Accessed 30 Jul. 2025.
Copy CitationKids 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
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