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
Although the balloon incident has not been directly linked to Moscow, Lithuania's border closures add to tensions spiked by accusations of Russian incursions into NATO airspace amid Moscow’s aggression in Ukraine.
—
Brendan Cole, MSNBC Newsweek, 25 Oct. 2025
Because taking league matches to America, Australia, Saudi Arabia or anywhere else would be an act of aggression.
—Oliver Kay, New York Times, 23 Oct. 2025
And Maddie was a scene kid, a kid who leads with their physicality and their strength and their aggression, but in real life, their heart is just on their sleeve.
—Mathew Rodriguez, Them., 21 Oct. 2025
Finch begged for Conley to be more aggressive at various points last season, but the point guard never grabbed the reins with aggression.
—Jace Frederick, Twin Cities, 21 Oct. 2025
See All Example Sentences for aggression
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Brendan Cole, MSNBC Newsweek, 25 Oct. 2025
Because taking league matches to America, Australia, Saudi Arabia or anywhere else would be an act of aggression.
—Oliver Kay, New York Times, 23 Oct. 2025
And Maddie was a scene kid, a kid who leads with their physicality and their strength and their aggression, but in real life, their heart is just on their sleeve.
—Mathew Rodriguez, Them., 21 Oct. 2025
Finch begged for Conley to be more aggressive at various points last season, but the point guard never grabbed the reins with aggression.
—Jace Frederick, Twin Cities, 21 Oct. 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 31 Oct. 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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