Dictionary
aggressive
adjective ag·gres·sive \ə-ˈgre-siv\
: ready and willing to fight, argue, etc. : feeling or showing aggression
: using forceful methods to succeed or to do something
medical : very severe
Full Definition of AGGRESSIVE
1
a : tending toward or exhibiting aggression <aggressive behavior> b : marked by combative readiness <an aggressive fighter>
2
a : marked by obtrusive energy b : marked by driving forceful energy or initiative : enterprising <an aggressive salesman>
3
: strong or emphatic in effect or intent <aggressive colors> <aggressive flavors>
4
: growing, developing, or spreading rapidly <aggressive bone tumors>
5
: more severe, intensive, or comprehensive than usual especially in dosage or extent <aggressive chemotherapy>
— ag·gres·sive·ly adverb
— ag·gres·sive·ness noun
— ag·gres·siv·i·ty \ˌa-ˌgre-ˈsi-və-tē\ noun
See aggressive defined for English-language learners
See aggressive defined for kids
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First Known Use of AGGRESSIVE
1824
Related to AGGRESSIVE
Synonym Discussion of AGGRESSIVE
aggressive, militant, assertive, self-assertive mean obtrusively energetic especially in pursuing particular goals. aggressive implies a disposition to dominate often in disregard of others' rights or in determined and energetic pursuit of one's ends <aggressive in his business dealings>. militant also implies a fighting disposition but suggests not self-seeking but devotion to a cause, movement, or principle <militant protesters rallied against the new law>. assertive suggests bold self-confidence in expression of opinion <the more assertive speakers dominated the forum>. self-assertive connotes forwardness or brash self-confidence <a self-assertive young upstart>.
Other Psychology Terms
Rhymes with AGGRESSIVE
AGGRESSIVE Defined for Kids
aggressive
adjective ag·gres·sive \ə-ˈgre-siv\
Definition of AGGRESSIVE for Kids
1
: showing a readiness to fight or argue <an aggressive dog> <aggressive behavior>
2
: engaging in hostile action without reasonable cause <an aggressive nation>
3
: being forceful in getting things done <an overly aggressive salesperson>
— ag·gres·sive·ly adverb
— ag·gres·sive·ness noun
Medical Dictionary
aggressive
adjective ag·gres·sive \ə-ˈgres-iv\
Medical Definition of AGGRESSIVE
1
: tending toward or exhibiting aggression <aggressive behavior>
2
: growing, developing, or spreading rapidly <aggressive bone tumors>
3
: more severe, intensive, or comprehensive than usual especially in dosage or extent <aggressive chemotherapy> <aggressive surgical intervention>—compare conservative
—ag·gres·sive·ly adverb
—ag·gres·sive·ness noun
—ag·gres·siv·i·ty \ˌag-ˌre-ˈsiv-ət-ē\ noun, plural ag·gres·siv·i·ties
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