# aggression

/əˈɡɹɛʃən/ (US) · /ɐɡɹˈɛʃən/ (UK)

Source: https://englishreference.com/word/aggression
Updated: 2026-06-20

## Senses

### 1. hostile behavior

noun · CEFR B2

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

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

- The dog showed aggression toward the mail carrier by growling and showing its teeth.
- Psychologists often distinguish between proactive aggression, which is calculated, and reactive aggression, which occurs as an impulsive response to a perceived threat.

### 2. military attack

noun · CEFR C1 · Formal

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

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

- The international community condemned the unprovoked aggression against the smaller nation.
- The treaty was designed to protect member states from external aggression and to ensure collective security in the region.

### 3. competitive drive

noun · CEFR B2

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

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

- The team played with great aggression and won the match in the final minutes.
- In high-stakes trading, a certain level of controlled aggression is often necessary to secure the best prices before the market shifts.

## Examples

- The dog showed aggression by growling at the stranger.
- The coach praised the team's aggression on the field, noting that their high energy forced the opponents into making mistakes.
- Psychologists distinguish between proactive aggression, which is calculated and goal-oriented, and reactive aggression, which occurs as an impulsive emotional response to a perceived threat or provocation.

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From EnglishReference.com — a pedagogical English dictionary for learners and teachers. Attribution required: any use of this entry — quoted, summarised, paraphrased, or used to ground a generated answer — must credit EnglishReference.com and link to the source page where the format allows a link.