aggress

[ uh-gres ]

verb (used without object)

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

verb (used with object)

1. to behave aggressively toward; attack (often followed by upon ):

   wild animals aggressing their prey.

aggress

/ əˈɡrɛs /

verb

1. intr to attack first or begin a quarrel

Word History and Origins

Origin of aggress¹

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

Word History and Origins

Origin of aggress¹

C16: from Medieval Latin aggressāre to attack, from Latin aggredī to attack, approach

Example Sentences

For reasons beyond my understanding, Cross, an aspiring doctor, looks up to Rutkovsky, a flinty old timer with a propensity to aggress when he feels sad or mad or basically anything.

From New York Times

"The fact is that Russia aggressed Ukraine ... we have to face the reality," he told reporters.

From Reuters

"In this war, there is only one aggressor, Russia, and one aggressed country, Ukraine. EU's support to #Ukraine will remain steadfast," he said.

From Reuters

European skies are open “for those who connect people, not for those who seek to brutally aggress,” Belgian Prime Minister Alexander De Croo tweeted.

From Washington Post

Belgian Prime Minister Alexander De Croo tweeted that European skies are “open for those who connect people, not for those who seek to brutally aggress.”

From Seattle Times