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
The Ukrainian president conceded that momentum for the Coalition of the Willing, a group of 31 countries that have pledged to strengthen support for Ukraine against Russian aggression, has slowed because of U.S. ambivalence over providing a backstop.
—
Arkansas Online, 15 June 2025
These movements share essential elements: disdain for pluralism and diversity, fetishization of leadership, order and aggression, dismissal of the rule of law, and aversion to accountability.
—Elisa Manfredini, Time, 14 June 2025
And finally, some evidence suggests that psychopathy and aggression are associated with a smaller, less functional amygdala.
—Tobias Kalenscher, Scientific American, 13 June 2025
North Korea maintains its nuclear weapons are necessary to deter aggression from the U.S. and its allies—and, in 2023, the country moved to enshrine the weapons in its constitution.
—Micah McCartney, MSNBC Newsweek, 12 June 2025
See All Example Sentences for aggression
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Arkansas Online, 15 June 2025
These movements share essential elements: disdain for pluralism and diversity, fetishization of leadership, order and aggression, dismissal of the rule of law, and aversion to accountability.
—Elisa Manfredini, Time, 14 June 2025
And finally, some evidence suggests that psychopathy and aggression are associated with a smaller, less functional amygdala.
—Tobias Kalenscher, Scientific American, 13 June 2025
North Korea maintains its nuclear weapons are necessary to deter aggression from the U.S. and its allies—and, in 2023, the country moved to enshrine the weapons in its constitution.
—Micah McCartney, MSNBC Newsweek, 12 June 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 18 Jun. 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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