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
His aggression remains — Meyers is seeing just 3.59 pitches per plate appearance and has absurd numbers against the first pitch of a plate appearance — but has cut down on chasing in the middle of at-bats, allowing for some longer battles.
—
Chandler Rome, New York Times, 2 June 2025
Every day of inaction is an act of aggression against the system that protects our elders from poverty and indignity.
—Teresa Ghilarducci, Forbes.com, 1 June 2025
China's rising aggression in the region has been a major topic of the conference that included an opening address by French President Emmanuel Macron, who has been touring of Southeast Asian nations to stress France's role in the region.
—Luis Martinez, ABC News, 30 May 2025
In response to the over three-years long war, Graham has pushed ahead a bill in the upper chamber seeking to increase sanctions on Russia in an effort to tame their aggression in Eastern Europe.
—Ashleigh Fields, The Hill, 30 May 2025
See All Example Sentences for aggression
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Chandler Rome, New York Times, 2 June 2025
Every day of inaction is an act of aggression against the system that protects our elders from poverty and indignity.
—Teresa Ghilarducci, Forbes.com, 1 June 2025
China's rising aggression in the region has been a major topic of the conference that included an opening address by French President Emmanuel Macron, who has been touring of Southeast Asian nations to stress France's role in the region.
—Luis Martinez, ABC News, 30 May 2025
In response to the over three-years long war, Graham has pushed ahead a bill in the upper chamber seeking to increase sanctions on Russia in an effort to tame their aggression in Eastern Europe.
—Ashleigh Fields, The Hill, 30 May 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 6 Jun. 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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