aggressor

noun

ag·​gres·​sor ə-ˈgre-sər How to pronounce aggressor (audio)
Synonyms of aggressornext
: one that commits or practices aggression

Synonyms of aggressor

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Examples of aggressor in a Sentence

Each country accused the other of being the aggressor. a group of smaller states had formed an alliance to deter potential aggressors
Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Any time there is the potential for further punishment, a report catalogs what happened, if there was a penalty called, the players involved, any disciplinary history, the aggressor's next game and video clips of the incident. — ABC News, 14 Oct. 2026 But domestic violence scenes can be chaotic, with both partners accusing each other of being the aggressor. — Melissa Sanchez, ProPublica, 14 Oct. 2026 The aggressor has also resumed its destruction of the energy sector. — Svitlana Vlasova, CNN Money, 3 Oct. 2026 This time, Skubal was the aggressor, getting to a 0-2 count with a slider and sinker inside. — Maddie Lee, Los Angeles Times, 3 Oct. 2026 See All Example Sentences for aggressor

Word History

Etymology

borrowed from Latin, "attacker, assailant," from aggredī, adgredī "to approach, attack" + -tor, agent suffix — more at aggress

First Known Use

1585, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of aggressor was in 1585

Rhymes for aggressor

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Browse Nearby Words

aggressiveness
aggressor
aggrievance
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Cite this Entry

“Aggressor.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/aggressor. Accessed 19 Oct. 2026.

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Kids Definition

aggressor

noun
ag·​gres·​sor ə-ˈgres-ər How to pronounce aggressor (audio)
: a person or country that attacks without reasonable cause

Medical Definition

aggressor

noun
ag·​gres·​sor ə-ˈgres-ər How to pronounce aggressor (audio)
: one who exhibits aggression
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