What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
aggression
Example
The dog showed aggression towards the stranger. [aggression: noun]
Example
He was accused of aggression towards his coworkers. [aggression: noun]
assault
Example
He was charged with assault for hitting the victim. [assault: noun]
Example
She felt assaulted by the harsh words of her boss. [assaulted: verb]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Assault is a more common word than aggression in everyday language, especially in legal and criminal contexts. Aggression is less commonly used and may have a broader range of connotations.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between aggression and assault?
Assault is a formal word that is often used in legal and official contexts. Aggression is less formal and may be used in a wider range of contexts, including informal conversations and academic writing.
