C1noun2K

Aggression

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.