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pathological aggression

1. aggression that is violent, explicitly directed against individuals or property, and either part of a longstanding repertoire of destructive or hurtful behavior or a sudden, paroxysmal reaction to a real or perceived provocation. It may be a manifestation of psychiatric disorder (e.g., psychosis, posttraumatic stress disorder, antisocial personality disorder, some impulse-control disorders); neurological disease or injury; substance abuse (e.g., of alcohol); and some sexual behaviors (e.g., sexual sadism).

2. felonious assault with intent to harm or kill.

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Psychology term of the day

May 9th 2024