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
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
Even if the axis members do not coordinate their aggression directly, concurrent conflicts could overwhelm the West.
—
Andrea Kendall-Taylor, Foreign Affairs, 23 Apr. 2024
Known as Project Nimbus, the deal to provide AI and cloud services to Israel has become increasingly polarizing as its aggression in Gaza has escalated to what one UN expert denounced as genocide.
—Chloe Berger, Fortune, 23 Apr. 2024
See all Example Sentences for aggression 
Andrea Kendall-Taylor, Foreign Affairs, 23 Apr. 2024
Known as Project Nimbus, the deal to provide AI and cloud services to Israel has become increasingly polarizing as its aggression in Gaza has escalated to what one UN expert denounced as genocide.
—Chloe Berger, Fortune, 23 Apr. 2024
See all Example Sentences for aggression
These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'aggression.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.
Dictionary Entries Near aggression
Cite this Entry
“Aggression.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/aggression. Accessed 3 May. 2024.
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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