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

That changed Sunday, when the primary objective was to be the aggressor. —Jared Weiss, The Athletic, 29 Dec. 2024

Topical Ingredients To Help Calm Stressed Skin Centella asiatica is an adaptogen that works topically to reduce inflammation and improve the skin’s ability to combat environmental aggressors such as pollution. —Felicity Carter, Forbes, 23 Dec. 2024

That powerful film sided with our desire to punish the aggressors. —Amy Nicholson, Los Angeles Times, 6 Dec. 2024

This restraint stemmed from a desire to avoid being perceived as the aggressor. —Yaakov Katz, Newsweek, 27 Nov. 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