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
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Martinez Mendoza has been charged with one count each of aggravated discharge of a firearm-direction of an occupied vehicle and aggravated unlawful use of a weapon-no FOID. Courier-News, Chicago Tribune, 11 Mar. 2025 After his release, the driver of the Ford truck was taken into custody and booked into the Ada County Jail on suspicion of felony aggravated driving under the influence, according to jail records. Sally Krutzig, Idaho Statesman, 10 Mar. 2025 Following his final round, the two-time major champion detailed surviving the weekend without aggravating his rib injury. William Lambers, Newsweek, 9 Mar. 2025 Christian Walker aggravating his left oblique Wednesday afternoon opened myriad possibilities for general manager Dana Brown and manager Joe Espada, two men who’ve taken clear stances on promoting prospects. Chandler Rome, The Athletic, 7 Mar. 2025 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

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Aggravate.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/aggravate. Accessed 17 Mar. 2025.

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

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!