aggravated
Americanadjective
-
I get so aggravated when I get this much junk mail.
-
made worse or more severe; intensified.
Stress impedes the emptying of the stomach, which can lead to aggravated heartburn.
-
Law. characterized by some feature defined by law that enhances the crime, as the intention of the criminal or the special vulnerability of the victim.
adjective
Other Word Forms
Etymology
Origin of aggravated
Explanation
When you see the word aggravated in the description of a crime, it's a more serious crime. Aggravated assault is more than a punch in the nose — it’s assault with the intent of causing serious bodily harm. Aggravated is built on the Latin root gravis "heavy," as in gravity, and with the prefix ad-, it means "to make heavy." So robbery is one thing, but aggravated robbery is not only robbing someone, but also causing physical harm, and the punishment would be harsher than for simple robbery. The word is used more casually to mean "angered" — you're likely to be an aggravated customer if you’ve been waiting in line forever and someone cuts in front of you.
Vocabulary lists containing aggravated
The New SAT: Words to Capture Tone
Looking to grow your vocabulary? Check out this interactive, curated word list from our team of English language specialists at Vocabulary.com – one of over 17,000 lists we've built to help learners worldwide!
The SAT: Words to Capture Tone, List 6
Interested in learning more words like this one? Our team at Vocabulary.com has got you covered! You can review flashcards, quiz yourself, practice spelling, and more – and it's all completely free to use!
ACT Reading Test: Words to Capture Tone, List 2
Want to remember this word for good? Start your learning journey today with our library of interactive, themed word lists built by the experts at Vocabulary.com – we'll help you make the most of your study time!
Example Sentences
Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.
Individuals who are found to have committed two or more aggravated breaches on separate occasions may face a suspension in excess of 12 matches or time-based suspensions of any duration in "very serious cases".
From BBC ● Jul. 30, 2026
At that time, conditions were much the same as they are now: El Nino aggravated a heat wave that had begun in 2014.
From Barron's ● Jul. 27, 2026
It said that Rhodes "thoroughly warranted a long minimum term", but that aspects of the case should have further aggravated the sentence.
From BBC ● Jul. 7, 2026
Roberts didn’t expect the biceps issue to affect Ohtani’s throwing schedule between pitching starts, especially because he aggravated it on a swing.
From Los Angeles Times ● Jul. 5, 2026
Ernest was fighting a chronic sinus infection, his back was aching, and an orthopedic brace that had been made for him fit so poorly it aggravated rather than relieved the pain.
From "Big Science" by Michael Hiltzik
Definitions and idiom definitions from Dictionary.com Unabridged, based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023
Idioms from The American Heritage® Idioms Dictionary copyright © 2002, 2001, 1995 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company.
