aggravate

[ˈæɡrəveɪt]

aggravate Definition

to make a problem or situation worse, especially by making someone angry or annoyed.

Using aggravate: Examples

Take a moment to familiarize yourself with how "aggravate" can be used in various situations through the following examples!

  • Example

    His constant complaining only aggravates the situation.

  • Example

    The noise from the construction site is aggravating my headache.

  • Example

    Don't aggravate your sister by teasing her.

aggravate Synonyms and Antonyms

Antonyms for aggravate

Phrases with aggravate

  • aggravating circumstances

    factors that make a crime more serious and deserving of a harsher punishment

    Example

    The judge took into account the aggravating circumstances of the case before sentencing the defendant.

  • a circumstance that makes a situation more difficult or unpleasant

    Example

    The lack of funding was an aggravating factor in the failure of the project.

  • extremely slow and frustrating

    Example

    The internet connection was aggravatingly slow, making it impossible to get any work done.

Origins of aggravate

from Latin 'aggravare', meaning 'to make heavier'

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Summary: aggravate in Brief

'Aggravate' [ˈæɡrəveɪt] means to make a problem or situation worse, often by making someone angry or annoyed. It is synonymous with 'worsen,' 'exacerbate,' and 'irritate.' 'Aggravate' can also refer to 'aggravating circumstances,' which are factors that make a crime more serious, or 'aggravatingly slow,' which describes something that is extremely slow and frustrating.