aggressor

noun

ag·​gres·​sor ə-ˈgre-sər 

: one that commits or practices aggression

Synonyms

• invader
• raider

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

There may be more suspensions during the rest of his career, as his reputation moves from needing protection (it’s been years since this was true) to being the aggressor on most plays. —Allan Mitchell, The Athletic, 20 Jan. 2025

Masking, the Democrat said at the time, had become a way for aggressors to act without being held responsible for their actions. —Jackson Walker, Baltimore Sun, 16 Jan. 2025

Ukraine is an underdog fighting an aggressor who denies our language and culture even exist. —Jordan King, Newsweek, 26 Dec. 2024

Several have been convicted of high treason, collaboration and aiding the aggressor state and sentenced to years-long jail terms. —Ivana Kottasová, CNN, 16 Dec. 2024

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

Kids Definition

aggressor

noun

ag·​gres·​sor ə-ˈgres-ər 

: a person or country that attacks without reasonable cause

Medical Definition

aggressor

noun

ag·​gres·​sor ə-ˈgres-ər 

: one who exhibits aggression