aggressive
[uh-gres-iv]
- characterized by or tending toward unprovoked offensives, attacks, invasions, or the like; militantly forward or menacing: aggressive acts against a neighboring country.
- making an all-out effort to win or succeed; competitive: an aggressive basketball player.
- vigorously energetic, especially in the use of initiative and forcefulness: an aggressive salesperson.
- boldly assertive and forward; pushy: an aggressive driver.
- emphasizing maximum growth and capital gains over quality, security, and income: an aggressive mutual fund.
- Medicine/Medical.
- (of a disease or tumor) spreading rapidly or highly invasive; difficult or impossible to treat successfully.
- pertaining to a risky surgery or treatment, or to a medication that has grave side effects: aggressive chemotherapy.
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Origin of aggressive
Synonyms
See more synonyms for on Thesaurus.comAntonyms
Dictionary.com Unabridged
Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2018
Related Words
contentious, intrusive, combative, threatening, destructive, tough, bold, zealous, forceful, dynamic, cocky, vigorous, smart, energetic, antipathetic, barbaric, bellicose, disruptive, disturbing, martialExamples from the Web for aggressive
Contemporary Examples
Question those taking on the mantle of victimhood and you are immediately cast as some kind of aggressive, unfeeling oppressor.
Others on the RSD forum would deconstruct his approach: “too aggressive,” “too many questions,” “nervousness in your voice,” etc.
They have experimented with new products and have invested millions into aggressive marketing and promotion.
He even allegedly had a nickname for his violent, aggressive alter ego: Rick.
Creed Singer Scott Stapp’s Fall From Grace: From 40 Million Albums Sold to Living in a Holiday InnMarlow Stern
November 27, 2014
Indeed, it is possible that the evidence points to aggressive acts on the part of Brown unknown to the public at this time.
Historical Examples
Fandor was not in the least impressed by the lieutenant's aggressive declarations.
A Nest of SpiesPierre Souvestre
But it never seems to enter into the goat's head to do anything so aggressive.
Things as They AreAmy Wilson-Carmichael
They were not aggressive creatures; it was that that made them so terrible to Helen.
Howards EndE. M. Forster
The aggressive Martians would be only too glad to explore the Moon.
The swiftness of the movement was aggressive enough to startle.
Under Western EyesJoseph Conrad
aggressive
- quarrelsome or belligerentan aggressive remark
- assertive; vigorousan aggressive business executive
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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
Word Origin and History for aggressive
adj.
1791, from Latin aggress-, past participle stem of aggredi (see aggression) + -ive. In psychological use from 1913, first in translations of Freud. Related: Aggressively; aggressiveness.
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Online Etymology Dictionary, © 2010 Douglas Harper
aggressive
(ə-grĕs′ĭv)- Characterized by aggression.
- Inclined to behave in a hostile fashion.
- Tending to spread quickly, as a tumor; fast-growing.
- Characterized by or inclined toward vigorous or intensive medical treatment.
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The American Heritage® Stedman's Medical Dictionary
Copyright © 2002, 2001, 1995 by Houghton Mifflin Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Company.