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
In addition to straining the CCP’s energy supply lines, eliminating the malign influence of the mullahs would free up the resources of the United States and its allies to confront Chinese aggression against Taiwan and its other neighbors.
—
Michael M. Rosen, The Washington Examiner, 13 Mar. 2026
Their combination of size, speed, agility and aggression sets them apart from other invasive reptiles that Floridians may be accustomed to seeing in their backyards.
—Ryan Brennan, Kansas City Star, 13 Mar. 2026
There were 290 acts of aggression against journalists in Ecuador last year, including four murders, attributed to criminal gangs.
—Arkansas Online, 12 Mar. 2026
Oil prices have surged since February 28, when the US and Israel opened aggressions by assassinating Iran’s supreme leader Ali Khamenei in a series of missile strikes that also killed the commander of the IRGC, the minister of defense, and other top brass.
—Frank Landymore, Futurism, 12 Mar. 2026
See All Example Sentences for aggression
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Michael M. Rosen, The Washington Examiner, 13 Mar. 2026
Their combination of size, speed, agility and aggression sets them apart from other invasive reptiles that Floridians may be accustomed to seeing in their backyards.
—Ryan Brennan, Kansas City Star, 13 Mar. 2026
There were 290 acts of aggression against journalists in Ecuador last year, including four murders, attributed to criminal gangs.
—Arkansas Online, 12 Mar. 2026
Oil prices have surged since February 28, when the US and Israel opened aggressions by assassinating Iran’s supreme leader Ali Khamenei in a series of missile strikes that also killed the commander of the IRGC, the minister of defense, and other top brass.
—Frank Landymore, Futurism, 12 Mar. 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 16 Mar. 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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