aggravate

verb

ag·​gra·​vate ˈa-grə-ˌvāt How to pronounce aggravate (audio)
aggravated; aggravating; aggravates

transitive verb

1
: to make (something) worse, more serious, or more severe : to intensify (something) unpleasantly
His back injury was aggravated by too much exercise.
They're afraid that we might aggravate an already bad situation.
2
a
: to make (someone) angry or irritated especially by bothering again and again
The neighbors were aggravated by the noise from the construction.
I'm so silly with my daughter, I think it aggravates her at this point.Amy Adams
b
: to produce inflammation in (a part of the body) : irritate
… contact wearers may be especially vulnerable to pollen or other irritants that can aggravate the eyes …Jessica Rendall
3
obsolete
a
: burden
b
Common Uses of Aggravate, Aggravation, and Aggravating: Usage Guide

Although aggravate has been used to refer to rousing someone to anger since the 17th century, it has been the object of disapproval only since about 1870. It is used in expository prose

when his silly conceit … about his not-very-good early work has begun to aggravate us William Styron

but seems to be more common in speech and casual writing.

a good profession for him, because bus drivers get aggravated Jackie Gleason, interview, 1986
& now this letter comes to aggravate me a thousand times worse Mark Twain, letter, 1864

The "make worse" meaning is far more common in published prose than the "rouse to anger" meaning. Such is not the case, however, with aggravation and aggravating. Aggravation is used in the "irritation, provocation" sense somewhat more than in its earlier senses; aggravating has practically no use other than to express annoyance.

Examples of aggravate in a Sentence

She aggravated an old knee injury. They're afraid that we might aggravate an already bad situation. A headache can be aggravated by too much exercise. The symptoms were aggravated by drinking alcohol. All of these delays really aggravate me. Our neighbors were aggravated by all the noise.
Recent Examples on the Web
These examples are automatically compiled from online sources to illustrate current usage. Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.
An examination for Saunders is set for Nov. 18 on the charges of domestic violence, aggravated domestic violence and assault in 52nd District Court in Troy, according to online court records. Christina Hall, Detroit Free Press, 24 Oct. 2024 Because desire today is aggravated, exacerbated, compounded, and inflamed beyond all measure by the goddamn internet. James Parker, The Atlantic, 22 Oct. 2024 But, even with these aggravating factors, did the mere sale of annuities to his clients rise to the level of serious misconduct? Jay Adkisson, Forbes, 21 Oct. 2024 The heavier wax ingredients may aggravate blemishes, so be careful when using these. Carrie Honaker, Southern Living, 18 Oct. 2024 See all Example Sentences for aggravate 

Word History

Etymology

borrowed from Latin aggravātus, past participle of aggravāre "to weigh down, burden, oppress, make worse," from ad- ad- + gravāre "to make heavy, oppress, weigh heavily upon," verbal derivative of gravis "heavy" — more at grave entry 2

First Known Use

1530, in the meaning defined at sense 3a

Time Traveler
The first known use of aggravate was in 1530

Dictionary Entries Near aggravate

Cite this Entry

“Aggravate.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/aggravate. Accessed 8 Nov. 2024.

Kids Definition

aggravate

verb
ag·​gra·​vate ˈag-rə-ˌvāt How to pronounce aggravate (audio)
aggravated; aggravating
1
: to make more serious or severe
aggravate an injury
2
: to make angry by bothering again and again
Etymology

from Latin aggravare "to make heavier," from ad- "to" and gravare "to burden," from gravis "heavy" — related to grave entry 3, gravity, grieve

Medical Definition

aggravate

transitive verb
ag·​gra·​vate ˈag-rə-ˌvāt How to pronounce aggravate (audio)
aggravated; aggravating
1
: to make worse, more serious, or more severe
movement may aggravate the pain
2
: to produce inflammation in : irritate
surgery aggravated the nerve

Legal Definition

aggravate

transitive verb
ag·​gra·​vate ˈa-grə-ˌvāt How to pronounce aggravate (audio)
aggravated; aggravating
: to make more serious, more severe, or worse
maliciousness aggravated the offense
aggravating factors
compare mitigate
aggravation noun

More from Merriam-Webster on aggravate

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