aggression

Angry, threatening behaviour or attacks through words or physical actions.

• His aggression frightened the children.
• The teacher responded calmly to her verbal aggression.
• The dog showed no aggression towards us.

How to use it: aggression towards someone/something (He showed aggression towards the staff.)

Similar words: hostility, belligerence

Opposites: friendliness

Common phrases: verbal aggression, physical aggression, show aggression

An attack on another country or group that starts fighting.

• The invasion was an act of aggression.
• Several countries condemned the military aggression.
• The treaty aimed to prevent further aggression against neighbouring states.

How to use it: aggression against someone/something (They condemned the aggression against their country.)

Similar words: attack, invasion

Common phrases: military aggression, act of aggression, aggression against someone