aggression

[ uh-gresh-uhn ]
/ əˈgrɛʃ ən /

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.

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, adjective coun·ter·ag·gres·sion, noun pre·ag·gres·sion, noun

WORDS THAT MAY BE CONFUSED WITH aggression

aggression egression

Example sentences from the Web for aggression

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, etc an 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

Medical definitions for aggression

aggression
[ ə-grĕshən ]

n.

Hostile or destructive behavior or actions.

Scientific definitions for aggression

aggression
[ ə-grĕshən ]

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.