aggress

[ uh-gres ]

See synonyms for aggress on Thesaurus.com

verb (used without object)

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

verb (used with object)

to behave aggressively toward; attack (often followed by upon): wild animals aggressing their prey.

Origin of aggress

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

Dictionary.com Unabridged Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023

How to use aggress in a sentence

Neither have I ever aggressed on the rights of others in my self-defence.
Marital Power Exemplified in Mrs. Packard's Trial, and Self-Defence from the Charge of Insanity | Elizabeth Parsons Ware Packard

British Dictionary definitions for aggress

aggress

/ (əˈɡrɛs) /

verb

(intr) to attack first or begin a quarrel

Origin of aggress

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

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

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