aggress

American  

[uh-gres] / əˈgrɛs /

verb (used without object)

1. to commit the first act of hostility or offense; attack first.

2. to begin to quarrel.

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verb (used with object)

1. to behave aggressively toward; attack (often followed byupon ).

   wild animals aggressing their prey.

aggress British  

/ əˈɡrɛs /

verb

1. (intr) to attack first or begin a quarrel

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Etymology

Origin of aggress

1565–75; from Latin aggressus (past participle of aggredī “to attack”), equivalent to ag- ag- + gred- ( see grade) + -tus past participle suffix

Example Sentences

“We have superior legal title to all the land west of the Missouri River that you and/or big oil seek to trespass and aggress on,” Bear Runner wrote in the letter.

From Slate • May 3, 2019

“If he didn’t have a gun, why did he aggress toward us in that manner?”

From New York Times • Jan. 20, 2017

“I admired her. I saw her films. I was trying to help her. If Laura is accusing me of trying to aggress her or kill her, she’s crazy.”

From New York Times • Aug. 30, 2016

And if few of today’s naysayers any longer flinch at, say, sculpt, diagnose or liaise, even the flyweights among them will still explode at emote, aggress and surveil.

From The Guardian • Mar. 25, 2016

Tending or disposed to aggress; characterized by aggression; making assaults; unjustly attacking; as, an aggressive policy, war, person, nation.

From Webster's Unabridged Dictionary by Webster, Noah