aggression

[ uh-gresh-uhn ]

/ əˈgrɛʃ ən /

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See synonyms for aggression on Thesaurus.com

noun

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.

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

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

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

OPPOSITES FOR aggression

1 peacefulness.

See antonyms for aggression on Thesaurus.com

QUIZ

CAN YOU ANSWER THESE COMMON GRAMMAR DEBATES?

There are grammar debates that never die; and the ones highlighted in the questions in this quiz are sure to rile everyone up once again. Do you know how to answer the questions that cause some of the greatest grammar debates?

Question 1 of 7

Which sentence is correct?

His boss, whom he admires, is waiting to meet with him about the big project.

His boss, who he admires, is waiting to meet with him about the big project.

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Origin of aggression

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

OTHER WORDS FROM aggression

an·ti·ag·gres·sion, adjectivecoun·ter·ag·gres·sion, nounpre·ag·gres·sion, noun

WORDS THAT MAY BE CONFUSED WITH aggression

aggression , egression

Words nearby aggression

aggregate fruit, aggregation, aggregative, aggregator, aggress, aggression, aggressive, aggressively, aggressive mimicry, aggressor, aggrieve

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

How to use aggression in a sentence

They might also show problem behaviors, such as physical aggression and cheating.
Puberty may reboot the brain and behaviors|Esther Landhuis|August 27, 2020|Science News For Students
They’re supposed to desire power and conflict, value only their self-interest, and be motivated by aggression.
Are You Yoda or Darth Vader? - Issue 89: The Dark Side|Brian Gallagher|August 26, 2020|Nautilus
Sometimes channeling your aggression for real injustices in the world, and integrating that into your higher-level goal, is important.
Are You Yoda or Darth Vader? - Issue 89: The Dark Side|Brian Gallagher|August 26, 2020|Nautilus
In their second matchup against the Mavericks, for example, the Raptors dialed things back considerably from the level of aggression they showed in that early-season contest.
The Raptors’ Defense Is Almost Never The Same, But It’s Always Really Good|Jared Dubin|August 17, 2020|FiveThirtyEight

Lots of things influence body image, or prosocial behavior, or aggression, or pick whatever you want, gender.
Does Hollywood Still Have a Princess Problem? (Ep. 394)|Stephen J. Dubner|October 24, 2019|Freakonomics
His hands outstretched, shoulders in submission, there was no shouting, no expletives, no aggression at all.
What Would Happen if I Got in White Cop’s Face?|Goldie Taylor|December 30, 2014|DAILY BEAST
We ought to seek Chinese cooperation in a response to this North Korean act of aggression.
Obama Could Hit China to Punish North Korea|Shane Harris, Tim Mak|December 20, 2014|DAILY BEAST
Giving in to the demands of such a leader will, without question, invite greater aggression and brutality.
The Sony Hack and America’s Craven Capitulation To Terror|David Keyes|December 19, 2014|DAILY BEAST
Several posts showed an obvious aggression towards the women he desired.
School Shooters Love This Pickup Artist Website|Brandy Zadrozny|December 5, 2014|DAILY BEAST
Soviet leaders had already decried the rescue mission as an act of imperialist aggression.
‘Argo’ in the Congo: The Ghosts of the Stanleyville Hostage Crisis|Nina Strochlic|November 23, 2014|DAILY BEAST
You had perceived upon what measure of aggression, upon what rasping unkindnesses, the applause of your fellows was bestowed.
A Cursory History of Swearing|Julian Sharman
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.
A Cursory History of Swearing|Julian Sharman
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

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

any offensive activity, practice, etcan aggression against personal liberty

psychol a hostile or destructive mental attitude or behaviour

Derived forms of aggression

aggressor (əˈɡrɛsə), noun

Word Origin for aggression

C17: from Latin aggression-, from aggrēdi to attack

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-grĕsh′ən ]

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.

aggression

OPPOSITES FOR aggression

Origin of aggression

OTHER WORDS FROM aggression

WORDS THAT MAY BE CONFUSED WITH aggression

Words nearby aggression

Words related to aggression

How to use aggression in a sentence

British Dictionary definitions for aggression

Derived forms of aggression

Word Origin for aggression

Scientific definitions for aggression