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.
In his request for a restraining order, Chigvintsev claimed that Garcia had been the primary aggressor. Martha Ross, The Mercury News, 7 Nov. 2024 The 911 caller said a white man in his 20s had been the aggressor and was still in the store, the police incident report said. Minyvonne Burke, NBC News, 19 Oct. 2024 The former couple has each claimed that the other was the aggressor in the incident that led to Chigvintsev's Aug. 29 arrest. Julia Moore, People.com, 4 Oct. 2024 More protections are needed to thwart more salvos from more aggressors. Colin Demarest, Axios, 30 Oct. 2024 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

Dictionary Entries Near aggressor

Cite this Entry

“Aggressor.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/aggressor. Accessed 30 Nov. 2024.

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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