Definition of AGGRESSION (original) (raw)
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
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Not just because of his physicality, aggression and reading of the game but because his work on the ball will have to improve significantly during his time at City. —
Sam Lee, The Athletic, 10 Jan. 2025 In his four years as secretary of state, Antony Blinken has traveled more than a million miles on the job, countering Russian aggression in Ukraine with a reinvigorated NATO alliance, and managing American interests in the ongoing turmoil across the Middle East. —David Morgan, CBS News, 10 Jan. 2025 The neurodegenerative disease, seen in many football players, can cause symptoms such as memory loss, depression, aggression and motor neuron disease, according to the Mayo Clinic. —Danielle Jennings, People.com, 9 Jan. 2025 Such action would upend all norms of the historic NATO alliance and possibly require members to come to the defense of Denmark due to U.S. aggression. —Tara Copp, Los Angeles Times, 9 Jan. 2025 See all Example Sentences for aggression 
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
Time Traveler
The first known use of aggression was in 1611
Dictionary Entries Near aggression
Cite this Entry
“Aggression.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/aggression. Accessed 16 Jan. 2025.
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Last Updated: 13 Jan 2025 - Updated example sentences
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