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

The incident led to Chigvintsev’s arrest on suspicion of corporal injury to a spouse, though Napa County prosecutors subsequently declined to file charges and the dancer and his attorney alleged that Garcia was the primary aggressor. —Martha Ross, The Mercury News, 2 Dec. 2024

Light-reflecting mica and antioxidant-rich blue and red algae extracts moisturize, plump, and protect your skin against environmental aggressors. —Jennifer Hussein, Allure, 21 Nov. 2024

That same day, Putin enacted a new doctrine permitting a potential nuclear response to conventional attacks on Russia if the aggressor is backed by a nuclear power. —Matt Robison, Newsweek, 21 Nov. 2024

Putin has become more than just an aggressor engaged in a pursuit of empire building. —Jeffrey Sonnenfeld, TIME, 24 Oct. 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