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
Throughout the regular season, Donte DiVincenzo was used to being the one who had to set the tone for Minnesota with his effort and aggression. —
Jace Frederick, Twin Cities, 24 Apr. 2026 Bromley are a freight train trampling opponents along their way with physicality, aggression and speed, alongside some occasional sprinkles of finesse. —Anantaajith Raghuraman, New York Times, 23 Apr. 2026 But there's no questioning his speed, aggression, and high football IQ should translate in the NFL. —Scott Thompson, FOXNews.com, 23 Apr. 2026 Prince Harry's visit follows a warning this week from Ukraine's President Volodymyr Zelenskyy as global attention shifts away from Russia's aggression to the Middle East. —Aidan Stretch, CBS News, 23 Apr. 2026 See All Example Sentences for aggression
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.
Jace Frederick, Twin Cities, 24 Apr. 2026 Bromley are a freight train trampling opponents along their way with physicality, aggression and speed, alongside some occasional sprinkles of finesse. —Anantaajith Raghuraman, New York Times, 23 Apr. 2026 But there's no questioning his speed, aggression, and high football IQ should translate in the NFL. —Scott Thompson, FOXNews.com, 23 Apr. 2026 Prince Harry's visit follows a warning this week from Ukraine's President Volodymyr Zelenskyy as global attention shifts away from Russia's aggression to the Middle East. —Aidan Stretch, CBS News, 23 Apr. 2026 See All Example Sentences for aggression
Cite this Entry
“Aggression.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.grautoblog.com/dictionary/aggression. Accessed 24 Apr. 2026.
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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