Aggravator Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

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aggravator

[ˈaɡrəˌveɪtər ]

Definition

^{Context #1 | Noun}

in psychology

A person or thing that causes annoyance or provocation; a source of frustration or irritation.

Synonyms

annoyer, bother, irritant, nuisance, provoker.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

Word	Description / Examples
aggravator	This term is often used in legal or formal settings to describe someone who makes a situation worse or inflames it. The lawyer referred to the defendant as an aggravator during the trial His behavior served as an aggravator of the ongoing conflict
irritant	This word is more formal or medical and often refers to something that causes continuous irritation or discomfort. The dust in the air was an irritant for her allergies His arrogant attitude was a constant irritant to everyone in the office
provoker	Often has a negative connotation and is used to describe someone who deliberately instigates trouble or incites others. She was known as a provoker who enjoyed starting arguments His comments were meant to be a provoker of strong emotions
annoyer	Used in casual or colloquial language to describe someone who frequently causes minor irritation or bothers people. Don't be such an annoyer, stop poking me! In class, he was known as the biggest annoyer, always disrupting lessons
bother	Commonly used in everyday conversation to describe a mild or moderate annoyance. Sorry to be a bother, but can you help me with this? His constant questions were starting to bother her
nuisance	Widely used to refer to something or someone that causes inconvenience or annoyance, can be used both formally and informally. The loud construction noise was a major nuisance for the residents That dog barking all night is such a nuisance

Examples of usage

He was always the aggravator in our group, picking fights and causing drama.
The constant noise from the construction site next door was a major aggravator for the residents.
Her habit of arriving late to meetings became an aggravator for her colleagues.
The aggravator in the situation was the lack of communication between the two parties.
The barking dog next door was a constant aggravator for the entire neighborhood.

Translations

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

Interesting Facts

Psychology

Recognizing aggravators in your life can help in managing stress and negative emotions.
Certain personality traits, like irritability, are often linked to being an aggravator in social situations.
Conflict resolution strategies often focus on identifying and addressing aggravators to improve interpersonal relations.

Pop Culture

In movies and television, characters often serve as aggravators to create comedic tension and conflict.
Social media can act as an aggravator, where negative comments and trolling can escalate emotional responses.
The portrayal of aggravators in literature often reflects deeper themes of conflict and resolution among characters.

Education

Learning environments sometimes have aggravators, such as distractions that hinder focus and productivity.
Teachers often develop strategies to minimize aggravating behaviors in the classroom, promoting better learning for all.
Educational psychologists study how aggravators can affect student motivation and engagement.

Health

Certain foods and environmental factors can act as aggravators for people with allergies or chronic conditions.
Understanding personal triggers can help individuals avoid aggravators and improve their overall wellbeing.
Stress management techniques often focus on reducing aggravators in one’s life to promote mental health.

Origin of 'aggravator'

Main points about word origin

The word comes from the Latin 'aggravare,' meaning 'to make worse' or 'to add to.'
It has been used in English since the late 16th century, originally referring to the act of making a situation more serious.
Over time, it has evolved to describe not just actions but also people or things that cause added annoyance.

The word 'aggravator' originated from the Latin word 'aggravare', which means 'to make heavier or more serious'. It first appeared in English in the early 17th century. Over time, the term evolved to refer to a person or thing that causes annoyance or provocation. The concept of aggravation has been studied in psychology to understand its impact on behavior and emotions.