aggressor

noun

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

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.
My empathy was with the innocent football fans over any aggressor. Andy Mitten, New York Times, 28 Apr. 2025 Brit, still processing, clocks that Kenya was angling for a full-on meltdown, trying to provoke her into playing the aggressor. Shelby Stewart, Essence, 14 Apr. 2025 He is accused of being the aggressor in a March 30 gunfight outside a busy Publix in Kissimmee, officials said. Mark Price, Miami Herald, 9 Apr. 2025 Anthony’s father told The New York Post that his son was not the aggressor in the fight. Shambhavi Rimal, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 7 Apr. 2025 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

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Aggressor.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/aggressor. Accessed 4 May. 2025.

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

More from Merriam-Webster on aggressor

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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