aggression

[ uh-gresh-uhn ]
See synonyms for aggression on Thesaurus.com
noun
  1. the action of a state in violating by force the rights of another state, particularly its territorial rights; an unprovoked offensive, attack, invasion, or the like: The army is prepared to stop any foreign aggression.

  2. any offensive action, attack, or procedure; an inroad or encroachment: an aggression upon one's rights.

  1. the practice of making assaults or attacks; offensive action in general.

  2. Psychiatry. overt or suppressed hostility, either innate or resulting from continued frustration and directed outward or against oneself.

Origin of aggression

1
1605–15; <Latin aggressiōn- (stem of aggressiō), equivalent to aggress(us) (see aggress) + -iōn--ion

Opposites for aggression

Other words from aggression

  • an·ti·ag·gres·sion, adjective
  • coun·ter·ag·gres·sion, noun
  • pre·ag·gres·sion, noun

Words that may be confused with aggression

Words Nearby aggression

Dictionary.com Unabridged Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2024

How to use aggression in a sentence

  • You had perceived upon what measure of aggression, upon what rasping unkindnesses, the applause of your fellows was bestowed.

  • The whole had a combination of companionable good humor, and instant aggression when necessary.

    The Woman Gives | Owen Johnson
  • It is the crown and apex of all bad language, the coping-stone of all systems of verbal aggression and abuse.

  • But German mobilization means every precaution possible for their country as well as foreign aggression.

    Ways of War and Peace | Delia Austrian
  • In that capacity for aggression upon other classes lies the essential driving force of modern affairs.

    The New Machiavelli | Herbert George Wells

British Dictionary definitions for aggression

aggression

/ (əˈɡrɛʃən) /


noun
  1. an attack or harmful action, esp an unprovoked attack by one country against another

  2. any offensive activity, practice, etc: an aggression against personal liberty

  1. psychol a hostile or destructive mental attitude or behaviour

Origin of aggression

1
C17: from Latin aggression-, from aggrēdi to attack

Derived forms of aggression

  • aggressor (əˈɡrɛsə), noun

Collins English Dictionary - Complete & Unabridged 2012 Digital Edition © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012

Scientific definitions for aggression

aggression

[ ə-grĕshən ]


  1. Behavior that is meant to intimidate or injure an animal of the same species or of a competing species but is not predatory. Aggression may be displayed during mating rituals or to defend territory, as by the erection of fins by fish and feathers by birds.

The American Heritage® Science Dictionary Copyright © 2011. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. All rights reserved.