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.
Prosecutors said Anthony provoked Metcalf, and witnesses testified that Anthony was the aggressor. — ABC News, 19 Aug. 2026 The trooper who conducted the investigation had determined Baker as the primary aggressor in the incident and took her into custody. — Ana Maria Soler, CBS News, 19 Aug. 2026 Police are seeking additional people who fired weapons during a shooting at Virginia State University that wounded five, as investigators work to determine whether the other shooters were aggressors or acting in self-defense. — Eric MacK, FOXNews.com, 17 Aug. 2026 The story explains the philosophical shift in more detail, but new offensive coordinator Sean Mannion is basically trying to get time back on their side and be the aggressor. — Brooks Kubena, New York Times, 15 Aug. 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
See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Aggressor.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/aggressor. Accessed 2 Sep. 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
Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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