aggravate
verb (used with object)
to make worse or more severe; intensify, as anything evil, disorderly, or troublesome.
have aggravated
-
present perfectof aggravate.present perfect
Used to describe actions that started in the past and continue into or have direct relevance to the present.
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.
Financial Supervisory Service Gov. Lee Chan-jin expressed sorrow at failing to halt the launch of single-stock leveraged ETFs in May, saying it might have aggravated market swings.
From The Wall Street Journal ● Jun. 29, 2026
Ohtani theorized over the weekend that problems with his pitching mechanics may have aggravated his knee.
From Los Angeles Times ● Jun. 17, 2026
While it was not clear if the injury was caused by the size of the boat, she feels the strain of controlling a boat of that size may have aggravated it.
From BBC ● Mar. 27, 2024
At the time, the Kraken said it wasn’t any particular play causing him to leave — again suggesting he might have aggravated a lingering issue.
From Seattle Times ● Jan. 23, 2024
“I am of the same opinion, so you have done well in not permitting Señor Ibarra to talk with her; that would only have aggravated her condition.”
From An Eagle Flight A Filipino Novel Adapted from Noli Me Tangere by José Rizal
