aggrieve

[ uh-greev ]

verb (used with object)

, ag·grieved, ag·griev·ing.

1. to oppress or wrong grievously; injure by injustice.
2. to afflict with pain, anxiety, etc.

aggrieve

/ əˈɡriːv /

verb

1. often impersonal or passive to grieve; distress; afflict

   it aggrieved her much that she could not go

2. to injure unjustly, esp by infringing a person's legal rights

Other Words From

• ag·grievement noun

Word History and Origins

Origin of aggrieve¹

1250–1300; Middle English agreven < Middle French agrever < Latin aggravāre to make heavy, worsen, equivalent to ag- ag- + grav- ( grave ² ) + -āre infinitive suffix; aggravate

Word History and Origins

Origin of aggrieve¹

C14: agreven, via Old French from Latin aggravāre to aggravate

Example Sentences

The mighty mother cannot find it in her heart to pronounce a decision which must aggrieve one of such a devoted pair.

From Project Gutenberg

Everything that can most aggrieve the heart of man has befallen me here under his eyes.

From Project Gutenberg

No natives know so well how to aggrieve and be unpleasant to travellers.

From Project Gutenberg

Related Words

• oppress