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
Forty years later, Moscow is once again placing Chornobyl at immense risk — this time through a violent war of aggression that threatens to bring nuclear catastrophe back to Ukraine and Europe.
—
Benjamin MacK-Jackson, The Orlando Sentinel, 30 Apr. 2026
Donte DiVincenzo is an indefatigable source of hustle and aggression who has flipped numerous games this season with strings of energy plays.
—Jace Frederick, Twin Cities, 29 Apr. 2026
Integrating Ukrainian and European experience in counter-drone and hybrid warfare must be a priority alongside our support for the defense against Russian aggression.
—Pat Ryan, New York Daily News, 28 Apr. 2026
A little more offensive aggression could go a long way.
—Mark Lazerus, New York Times, 27 Apr. 2026
See All Example Sentences for aggression
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to
show current usage.
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Benjamin MacK-Jackson, The Orlando Sentinel, 30 Apr. 2026
Donte DiVincenzo is an indefatigable source of hustle and aggression who has flipped numerous games this season with strings of energy plays.
—Jace Frederick, Twin Cities, 29 Apr. 2026
Integrating Ukrainian and European experience in counter-drone and hybrid warfare must be a priority alongside our support for the defense against Russian aggression.
—Pat Ryan, New York Daily News, 28 Apr. 2026
A little more offensive aggression could go a long way.
—Mark Lazerus, New York Times, 27 Apr. 2026
See All Example Sentences for aggression
Cite this Entry
“Aggression.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/aggression. Accessed 1 May. 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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