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Definition of aggravate

aggravate

/ˈæɡ.ɹə.veɪt/
ag · gra · vate
Adverb:aggravatingly
•
Adjective:aggravating
•
Past Simple:aggravated
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Past Participle:aggravated
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Present Participle:aggravating
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aggravate Lexical Profile

aggravate Game Scores & Validity

• verb

1

To make a problem, injury, condition, or offense worse or more serious.

Example

"Running on the concrete pavement will only aggravate your knee injury."

2

To annoy, irritate, or exasperate someone, especially through persistent provocation.

Example

"The constant noise from the construction site began to aggravate the residents."

Synonyms
View all synonyms for aggravate
Antonyms
View all antonyms for aggravate

Word Nuance & Usage

In formal and legal writing, 'aggravate' strictly means to make an existing problem, injury, or offense worse; using it to mean 'annoy' or 'irritate' a person is widespread in everyday speech but sometimes criticized by traditional style guides.

• Nearby Words

agender
agent
ageratum
aggravate
aggravated
aggravating
aggravatingly

Word Origin & Etymology

Borrowed in the early 16th century from Latin aggravatus, the past participle of aggravare ('to make heavier'), formed from ad- ('to') and gravare ('to burden'), from gravis ('heavy').

Cite this Entry

Wordmom. (2026). Definition of Aggravate. In Wordmom Dictionary. Retrieved Nov 5, 2026, from https://wordmom.com/dictionary/aggravate
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