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
Rinzel has already been hit up by some of the other prospects for his perspective on rookie camp, on the climb to the NHL and the developmental process, on how to play with aggression and the confidence to make plays rather than with hesitation and the fear of making mistakes.
—
Mark Lazerus, New York Times, 13 Sep. 2025
In terms of behavioral issues, aggression, social conflict, and soiling were the most common.
—Jack Beresford, MSNBC Newsweek, 12 Sep. 2025
Rutte and Grynkewich described NATO’s eastern flank as the front line of defense, but dismissed arguments that the whole alliance wasn’t at risk of Russian aggression.
—Mike Brest, The Washington Examiner, 12 Sep. 2025
Blyth provides a fitting foil to Jonsson’s softness with his endless spring of ruthless aggression, forcing Taylor’s primal survival instincts to butt against his more civilized sense that there has to be something more for him in this world.
—Christian Zilko, IndieWire, 12 Sep. 2025
See All Example Sentences for aggression
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Mark Lazerus, New York Times, 13 Sep. 2025
In terms of behavioral issues, aggression, social conflict, and soiling were the most common.
—Jack Beresford, MSNBC Newsweek, 12 Sep. 2025
Rutte and Grynkewich described NATO’s eastern flank as the front line of defense, but dismissed arguments that the whole alliance wasn’t at risk of Russian aggression.
—Mike Brest, The Washington Examiner, 12 Sep. 2025
Blyth provides a fitting foil to Jonsson’s softness with his endless spring of ruthless aggression, forcing Taylor’s primal survival instincts to butt against his more civilized sense that there has to be something more for him in this world.
—Christian Zilko, IndieWire, 12 Sep. 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 15 Sep. 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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