aggression

The word “aggression” means hostile or violent behavior, especially the starting of a conflict or attack. In plain terms, hostile, attacking behavior, or (more loosely) forceful energy and drive.

“Aggression” is pronounced uh-GREH-shuhn (/əˈɡɹɛʃən/ in IPA).

Here is “aggression” used in a sentence: “The invasion was widely condemned as an act of aggression.”

The opposite of “aggression” — its antonyms — is nonaggression.

“Aggression” is a noun.

The word “aggression” comes from Latin. From Latin aggredior ("to approach, attack"), from ad- ("toward") + gradior ("to step, walk").

“Aggression” is a fairly common word in modern English.

“Aggression” has 2 distinct senses listed in this dictionary. The most common is: hostile or violent behavior, especially the starting of a conflict or attack.

"Aggression" usually names hostile or violent behavior, or the act of starting a conflict or attack. "Aggressiveness" more often describes a forceful, assertive quality or drive that need not be violent, such as in sports or business. The first tends to be negative; the second can be neutral or even positive.

Aggression is hostile behavior or the initiation of a conflict, which may or may not turn physical. Violence specifically involves physical force meant to hurt or damage. All violence is aggressive, but aggression does not always involve violence.

In one sense, aggression describes a forceful or assertive drive that is not necessarily violent, and this can be viewed positively in competitive settings like sport or negotiation. However, its primary meaning of hostile or violent behavior is generally negative.

"Aggression" is commonly followed by "against" or "toward(s)," as in "aggression against a neighbor" or "aggression toward others." The set phrase "act of aggression" is also very common in political and legal contexts.