aggress

[ uh-gres ]

verb (used without object)

1. to commit the first act of hostility or offense; attack first.
2. to begin to quarrel.

verb (used with object)

1. to behave aggressively toward; attack (often followed by upon ):

   wild animals aggressing their prey.

aggress

/ əˈɡrɛs /

verb

1. intr to attack first or begin a quarrel

Word History and Origins

Origin of aggress¹

1565–75; from Latin aggressus (past participle of aggredī “to attack”), equivalent to ag- ag- + gred- ( grade ) + -tus past participle suffix

Word History and Origins

Origin of aggress¹

C16: from Medieval Latin aggressāre to attack, from Latin aggredī to attack, approach

Example Sentences

They experience boredom, sickness, early deaths and they aggress, attacking and even killing human beings.

From The Daily Beast

If the body do not aggress, the spirit will not seek revenge.

From Project Gutenberg