Aggravated Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

😡
Add to dictionary

aggravated

[ˈæɡrəˌveɪtɪd ]

Definitions

Context #1 | Verb

feeling

Feeling very annoyed or angry, especially because of something that someone has done. To make a situation worse or more serious.

Synonyms

annoyed, exasperated, irritated.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

arrow down
Word Description / Examples
aggravated

Use this word when someone is feeling very frustrated or angry about a situation, often due to ongoing problems or provocations. It can also refer to a crime that becomes more severe because of certain circumstances.

  • The constant noise from the construction site aggravated the residents.
  • He was charged with aggravated assault.
annoyed

This word describes a mildly negative feeling of being bothered or disrupted by something or someone. It's less intense than feeling aggravated.

  • She was annoyed by the loud music playing next door.
  • I'm annoyed that you didn't call me back.
irritated

This word indicates a feeling of discomfort or slight anger caused by something that is problematic or persistently annoying. It is similar to annoyed but can also refer to a physical sensation.

  • Her eyes were irritated by the smoke.
  • He was irritated by the delay in his flight.
exasperated

Use this word when expressing an intense feeling of frustration, typically after repeated annoyances or failures. It indicates being at the end of one's patience.

  • After asking her son to clean his room for the fifth time, she felt completely exasperated.
  • I’m exasperated by the constant delays in the project.

Examples of usage

  • She was aggravated by his rude behavior.
  • The noise from the construction work only aggravated her headache further.
Context #2 | Verb

law

To make a crime or bad situation worse or more serious by causing anger or hatred.

Synonyms

escalate, exacerbate, worsen.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

arrow down
Word Description / Examples
aggravated

Indicates a person becoming more annoyed or upset, often because of ongoing frustration. This usage has a negative connotation.

  • She felt aggravated by the constant interruptions.
  • He was clearly aggravated after waiting in line for an hour.
exacerbate

Used when referring to making a problem, situation, or feeling worse or more severe. It is often utilized in formal or academic settings.

  • His comments only served to exacerbate the situation.
  • The new policy could exacerbate the economic downturn.
worsen

A more general term for when something deteriorates or declines in quality, condition, or intensity. It is suitable for everyday use.

  • Her health began to worsen after the surgery.
  • The weather is supposed to worsen over the weekend.
escalate

Describes a situation that is growing in seriousness or intensity, often relating to conflicts, problems, or costs. It suggests a progression to a higher level.

  • The argument started to escalate into a shouting match.
  • If we don't address these issues now, they could escalate quickly.

Examples of usage

  • His aggressive behavior only aggravated the judge's decision.
  • The defendant's attempt to intimidate the witness aggravated the case.
Context #3 | Adjective

medical

Having been made worse by the addition of something harmful.

Synonyms

exacerbated, worsened.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

arrow down
Word Description / Examples
aggravated

This word is generally used to describe a situation or condition that has become worse, especially due to someone or something making it worse. It can also be used in a legal context to describe a crime that has been made more serious.

  • His constant interruptions aggravated the meeting
  • The injury was aggravated by continued physical activity
exacerbated

It is usually employed in formal writing or speech to indicate that a problem, condition, or negative situation has become worse due to specific actions or factors, often human-induced. It suggests a significant worsening.

  • The drought was exacerbated by climate change
  • Her health issues were exacerbated by the lack of medical care
worsened

This is a more general term that refers to any situation, condition, or problem that has declined in quality, performance, or condition. It is a straightforward word without specific connotations.

  • His eyesight worsened over the years
  • The economic crisis worsened as the unemployment rate increased

Examples of usage

  • The patient's condition became aggravated after the incorrect medication was administered.

Translations

To see the translation, please select a language from the options available.

Interesting Facts

Psychology

  • When someone feels aggravated, their stress levels can increase, often leading to frustration.
  • Emotional responses, including aggravation, can be influenced by past experiences or sensitivity to particular situations.
  • Research suggests that prolonged aggravation can lead to negative health effects, such as increased anxiety and cardiovascular issues.

Language Usage

  • In legal contexts, 'aggravated' often refers to a crime that is considered more serious due to certain factors, like intent.
  • Many people confuse 'aggravate' with 'irritate', but 'aggravate' implies an intensification of the condition.
  • The distinction in usage is important; 'aggravate' often carries a connotation of escalation.

Pop Culture

  • The term 'aggravated assault' is widely recognized in law enforcement and media, showcasing its serious implications.
  • Comedians often use the term to describe everyday annoyances, highlighting its relatability in modern life.
  • Social media has amplified the use of 'aggravated' to express common frustrations, making it a part of daily vernacular.

Origin of 'aggravated'

Main points about word origin

  • The word 'aggravate' comes from the Latin 'aggravare', which means to make heavier or worse.
  • 'Aggravate' was first used in English in the late 14th century, originally meaning to intensify or worsen.
  • In the 19th century, 'aggravate' increasingly took on a colloquial meaning related to annoyance.

The word 'aggravate' comes from the Latin word 'aggravare', which means 'to make heavier or more serious'. It entered the English language in the early 16th century with the meaning of 'make worse or more serious'. Over time, 'aggravate' has come to be commonly used to describe situations where something is made more difficult or severe. It is often used in contexts of annoyance, anger, or making a bad situation even worse.


See also: aggravating, aggravatingly, aggravation, aggravator.

Word Frequency Rank

Position #9,149 indicates this is an advanced-level word. While not essential for basic communication, it will enhance your ability to understand and create more nuanced content.