aggression

[uh-gresh-uhn]

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.

   Antonyms: peacefulness

2. any offensive action, attack, or procedure; an inroad or encroachment.

   an aggression upon one's rights.

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

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

aggression

/ əˈɡrɛsə, 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

3. psychol a hostile or destructive mental attitude or behaviour

aggression

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.

Other Word Forms

• antiaggression adjective
• counteraggression noun
• preaggression noun
• aggressor noun

Word History and Origins

Origin of aggression¹

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

Word History and Origins

Origin of aggression¹

C17: from Latin aggression-, from aggrēdi to attack

Example Sentences

Did the player have a clenched fist, which indicates aggression?

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For Spencer, who admits to having a fiery temperament on the field, it was not just opponents on the wrong end of his aggression.

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As Sunday's talks began, Umerov said: "We are discussing about the future of Ukraine, about the security of Ukraine, about no repetition of aggression of Ukraine, about prosperity of Ukraine, about how to rebuild Ukraine".

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The boxer is a sparring partner for Marian, who works out her aggression in the ring.

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Frank was furious at his team's lack of aggression at Arsenal, visibly grimacing when he pointed out they only won 17 out of 53 duels and second-ball situations.

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Related Words

• assault 
• encroachment 
• invasion 
• offensive 
• onslaught 
• raid