aggression

ag-gres-sion · noun

imported

Definitions

noun

  1. 1.

    Hostile or violent behavior or attitudes toward another; readiness to attack or confront.

  2. 2.

    The action of attacking without provocation, especially beginning a quarrel or war.

  3. 3.

    Forcefulness or assertive energy, especially in pursuing goals.

Forms

plural: aggressions

Phrases & expressions

  • •
    act of aggression — An attack or hostile action.
  • •
    passive aggression — Indirect resistance or hostility expressed through subtle behaviors.
  • •
    verbal aggression — Hostile or attacking speech.

Related words

Antonyms: gentleness, passivity, peacefulness
See also: aggressive, hostility, violence
Synonyms: belligerence, combativeness, hostility, violence

Etymology

From Latin aggressio, agressionem ("a going to, an attack"), from aggressus, past participle of aggredi ("to approach, attack"), from ad- ("to") + gradi ("to step, walk").