Looking up...
aggressor
/əˈɡrɛsər/
attacker
The aggressor launched an unprovoked attack on the neighboring country.
The aggressor refers to the party that initiated the hostile action without justification.
formal
A person or country that initiates harmful or violent actions against another.
The UN condemned the aggressor for violating international law.
The aggressor is identified as the party responsible for starting the conflict.
In the debate, she accused her opponent of being the aggressor in the argument.
The aggressor is the one who started the confrontation or dispute.
Often used in legal, political, or military contexts to describe the instigator of conflict.
Collocations
primary aggressorthe main party responsible for initiating aggressionunprovoked aggressoran attacker who started violence without causeidentify the aggressorto determine who started a conflict
Antonyms
Pro Tip
Context Matters
Use 'aggressor' when discussing serious conflicts, wars, or legal disputes. It is not suitable for everyday disagreements (e.g., 'He was the aggressor in the argument' is acceptable but formal).
Gold Rule
Avoid Overuse
Reserve 'aggressor' for significant or violent conflicts. Do not use it for minor disputes or playful arguments.
Word Origin
From Latin *aggressor*, meaning 'one who attacks,' derived from *aggressus*, past participle of *aggredi* ('to approach, attack'), combining *ad-* ('to') and *gradi* ('to step'). The word entered English in the 16th century via Old French *agresseur*.
Usage Notes
Commonly used in formal contexts such as law, politics, or military analysis. Avoid using it casually to describe minor conflicts, as it implies significant aggression or hostility.
Word Breakdown
aggress-
to approach or attack
root-or
a person or thing that performs an action
suffixEnglish Dictionary