Hostility vs. Aggression — What's the Difference?
By Maham Liaqat & Fiza Rafique — Updated on May 15, 2024
Hostility is an attitude of ill will or antagonism, while aggression is the behavior that results from this attitude, manifesting as harmful or forceful actions.
Difference Between Hostility and Aggression
Table of Contents
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Key Differences
Hostility refers to an attitude of enmity or antagonism towards someone or something, often characterized by feelings of anger and resentment. Aggression, on the other hand, is the physical or verbal behavior that manifests from hostile feelings, aiming to cause harm or assert dominance.
Hostility is more about the internal state of mind, involving negative thoughts and emotions. Aggression involves outward actions, such as attacking or threatening, which can be verbal, physical, or psychological.
In social interactions, hostility might be expressed through passive-aggressive behaviors or cold demeanor, reflecting underlying resentment. Aggression, however, is more direct and can include overt acts like yelling, hitting, or bullying.
Hostility can be long-lasting, simmering beneath the surface over time, while aggression is often more immediate, triggered by specific events or provocations.
The causes of hostility can include past grievances, jealousy, or perceived threats, whereas aggression can be a reaction to frustration, stress, or provocation in the moment.
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Comparison Chart
Definition
Attitude of ill will or antagonism
Behavior resulting from hostile feelings
Nature
Internal state of mind
Outward actions
Expression
Passive-aggressive behaviors, cold demeanor
Verbal, physical, or psychological attacks
Duration
Long-lasting, simmering over time
Immediate, triggered by specific events
Causes
Past grievances, jealousy, perceived threats
Reaction to frustration, stress, or provocation
Compare with Definitions
Hostility
The state of being antagonistic or unfriendly.
Her hostility towards him was evident in her cold stares.
Aggression
Behavior aimed at causing harm or asserting dominance.
The dog showed aggression by barking and lunging.
Hostility
An attitude of ill will or resentment.
The negotiations were hindered by mutual hostility.
Aggression
Forceful, often harmful actions.
His aggression was evident in his harsh words.
Hostility
A display of animosity or antagonism.
He spoke with barely concealed hostility.
Aggression
The act of initiating confrontation.
Aggression in negotiations can lead to conflicts.
Hostility
Deep-seated anger or resentment.
Hostility built up over years of rivalry.
Aggression
Hostile or violent behavior.
She reacted with aggression when provoked.
Hostility
Hostility is seen as form of emotionally charged aggressive behavior. In everyday speech it is more commonly used as a synonym for anger and aggression.
Aggression
Physical or verbal attacks.
The player's aggression on the field earned him a red card.
Hostility
The state of being hostile; antagonism or enmity.
Aggression
Aggression is overt or covert, often harmful, social interaction with the intention of inflicting damage or other harm upon another individual. It may occur either reactively or without provocation.
Hostility
A hostile act.
Aggression
The act of initiating hostilities or invasion.
Hostility
Hostilities Acts of war; overt warfare.
Aggression
The practice or habit of launching attacks.
Hostility
(uncountable) The state of being hostile.
My resentment and anger towards you caused hostility and a division between us.
Aggression
Hostile or destructive behavior or actions.
Hostility
(countable) A hostile action, especially a military action. See hostilities for specific plural definition.
Aggression
The first attack, or act of hostility; the first act of injury, or first act leading to a war or a controversy; unprovoked attack; assault; as, a war of aggression. "Aggressions of power."
Hostility
State of being hostile; public or private enemy; unfriendliness; animosity.
Hostility being thus suspended with France.
Aggression
A disposition to behave aggressively
Hostility
An act of an open enemy; a hostile deed; especially in the plural, acts of warfare; attacks of an enemy. See hostilities
He who proceeds to wanton hostility, often provokes an enemy where he might have a friend.
Aggression
A feeling of hostility that arouses thoughts of attack
Hostility
A hostile (very unfriendly) disposition;
He could not conceal his hostility
Aggression
Violent action that is hostile and usually unprovoked
Hostility
A state of deep-seated ill-will
Aggression
The act of initiating hostilities
Hostility
The feeling of a hostile person;
He could no longer contain his hostility
Aggression
Deliberately unfriendly behavior
Hostility
Violent action that is hostile and usually unprovoked
Hostility
Acts of overt warfare;
The outbreak of hostilities
Hostility
Enmity or opposition in thought.
The hostility in the debate room was palpable.
Common Curiosities
Is hostility always visible?
No, hostility can be concealed and passive.
Is hostility internal or external?
Hostility is primarily an internal state of mind.
Can hostility lead to aggression?
Yes, hostile feelings can manifest as aggressive actions.
What is hostility?
Hostility is an attitude of ill will or antagonism.
What forms can aggression take?
Aggression can be verbal, physical, or psychological.
Is hostility always harmful?
Hostility is harmful in terms of relationships and mental health.
What is aggression?
Aggression is behavior aimed at causing harm or asserting dominance.
Is aggression a type of behavior?
Yes, aggression is an outward behavior.
Can hostility last a long time?
Yes, hostility can simmer over a long period.
Is aggression always immediate?
Aggression is often immediate, triggered by specific events.
What causes hostility?
Hostility can be caused by past grievances, jealousy, or perceived threats.
Is aggression a reaction?
Yes, aggression is often a reaction to stimuli or provocation.
What can trigger aggression?
Aggression can be triggered by frustration, stress, or provocation.
Can aggression be controlled?
Yes, with self-regulation and intervention, aggression can be managed.
Can hostility be passive?
Yes, hostility can manifest in passive-aggressive behaviors.
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Written by
Maham Liaqat
Co-written by
Fiza RafiqueFiza Rafique is a skilled content writer at AskDifference.com, where she meticulously refines and enhances written pieces. Drawing from her vast editorial expertise, Fiza ensures clarity, accuracy, and precision in every article. Passionate about language, she continually seeks to elevate the quality of content for readers worldwide.
