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Hostile or violent behavior or attitudes toward others.
The psychologist studied the link between childhood trauma and adult aggression.
The psychologist examined how early negative experiences might lead to violent behavior in adults.
Military aggression often leads to prolonged conflict.
Nations initiating hostile military actions frequently cause long-term wars.
In psychology, aggression can be physical, verbal, or relational (e.g., social exclusion).
Determined and forceful pursuit of a goal.
The company's aggression in marketing drove rapid market share growth.
The company's relentless marketing strategy quickly increased its dominance in the market.
Used in business contexts to describe proactive, assertive strategies.
Not all assertive behavior is 'aggression.' In leadership, 'assertiveness' is positive, while 'aggression' implies harmful intent. Context matters.
Assertiveness is expressing needs confidently without harm; aggression involves harm or coercion. Example: 'She asserted her opinion' (positive) vs. 'He aggressively shouted at her' (negative).
From Latin *aggressio(n-)*, meaning 'attack' or 'assault', derived from *aggredi* ('to approach, attack'), combining *ad-* ('to, toward') + *gradi* ('to step'). Entered English in the 17th century via French *agression*.
Aggression is often context-dependent; in animals or sports, it can be natural and non-harmful (e.g., competitive drive), while in social contexts, it typically implies harmful intent. Avoid using the word to describe assertiveness in professional settings unless the tone is clearly negative.