Cool MateAggression
UK /["/əˈɡreʃn/"]/US /["/əˈɡreʃn/"]/
Definition
feelings of anger and hate that may result in threatening or violent behaviour
In simple words: A feeling of being angry and wanting to fight or hurt someone.
Examples
- Video games have been blamed for causing aggression.
- Nowadays our aggression is channelled into sports.
- Do toy guns encourage aggression?
- It showed no aggression towards other dogs.
- a display of naked aggression
- ways of releasing pent-up aggression
- unprovoked military aggression
- Acts of aggression against local shop owners should be reported to the police.
- Aggression by one nationality against another often leads to war.
- The president announced that the country would not tolerate foreign aggressions.
Usage notes
Use 'aggression' in discussions about behavior, psychology, or sports. It is generally neutral but can be seen negatively in some contexts, such as describing violent actions.
Grammar pattern
standalone noun
Memory hint
Think of 'a-grizzly' bear, which shows aggression when threatened.
Collocations
- naked
- open
- overt
- act
- display
- exhibit
- express
- aggression against
- aggression by
- aggression towards/toward
- naked
- open
- overt
- act
- display
- exhibit
- express
- aggression against
- aggression by
- aggression towards/toward
Synonyms
- hostility
- violence
- belligerence
- fury
- anger
Antonyms
- calmness
- peacefulness
- gentleness
Common mistakes
- Confused with 'assertiveness', which is more about confidence than hostility.
- Using 'aggression' too lightly when describing competitive situations that aren't violent.
- Overusing in contexts where 'frustration' or 'anger' would be more appropriate.