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aggression

n.
US //əˈɡɹɛʃən// UK //ɐɡɹˈɛʃən// ag·gres·sion
  1. 1 hostile behavior (n.)
    B2 Upper Intermediate

    angry or threatening behavior that shows you are ready to fight or attack someone.

    hostile or destructive behavior or attitudes, especially when expressed through physical or verbal threats.

    Example

    The dog showed aggression toward the mail carrier by growling and showing its teeth.

    Example

    Psychologists often distinguish between proactive aggression, which is calculated, and reactive aggression, which occurs as an impulsive response to a perceived threat.
  2. 2 military attack (n.)
    C1 Advanced Formal Law

    an attack or invasion by one country against another without a good reason.

    the act of initiating hostilities or an unprovoked invasion of another nation's territory.

    Example

    The international community condemned the unprovoked aggression against the smaller nation.

    Example

    The treaty was designed to protect member states from external aggression and to ensure collective security in the region.
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  1. 3 competitive drive (n.)
    B2 Upper Intermediate Sport

    a forceful way of doing something to make sure you succeed.

    forceful or assertive behavior intended to dominate a situation or achieve a competitive advantage.

    Example

    The team played with great aggression and won the match in the final minutes.

    Example

    In high-stakes trading, a certain level of controlled aggression is often necessary to secure the best prices before the market shifts.
    • passivity
    • timidity
Origin

From Middle French aggression, from Latin aggressio, from aggressus, past participle of aggredior (“to approach, address, attack”).

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