What is the different between "agredir" and "atacar?"

Question

What are the differences in meanings of "agredir" and "atacar?"

Answer 1

1. Atacar is more usual with animals, an unexpectec agression:

   Mi hermano fue atacado por un perro callejero.

   But also with drunk, drug, robbers, or crazy people maybe wearing weapons:

   Mi hermano fue atacado por un desquiciado.

2. Agredir is more usual talking about agressions at home or by relatives after arguing:

   Mi hermano fue agredido por su padrastro.

3. And sometimes there's no difference:

   Mi hermano fue agredido por unos vándalos Mi hermano fue atacado por unos vándalos

Answer 2

If you look it up in our dictionary, it'll show you that the words are synonyms.

The way I use it, "agredir" has more of a connotation of assault - physical or verbal aggression against someone.