Aggrieving Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

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aggrieving

[əˈɡriːvɪŋ ]

Definition

Context #1 | Verb

legal context

Aggrieving refers to the act of causing harm or injury to someone, particularly in a legal sense. It often relates to feelings of injustice or grievance when a person's rights are violated or when they suffer damages. In legal proceedings, an aggrieved party may seek remedies for the harm they have experienced. The term highlights the emotional and legal dimensions of feeling wronged. It is frequently used in discussions about lawsuits and claims.

Synonyms

injuring, maltreating, offending, wronging.

Examples of usage

  • The aggrieving party filed a lawsuit against the company.
  • He expressed how the decision aggrieved him.
  • The aggrieving circumstances led to a lengthy trial.

Translations

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Interesting Facts

Law

  • In legal contexts, to 'aggrieve' oneself means to suffer harm or injustice due to another party's actions.
  • Many civil lawsuits are based on the concept of aggrievement, where individuals seek redress for their grievances.
  • The concept plays a key role in defining standing, or the right of a party to bring a lawsuit, as one must demonstrate they have been aggrieved.

Psychology

  • Feeling aggrieved can trigger strong emotional responses, including anger and sadness, affecting mental health.
  • People who frequently feel aggrieved may develop a victim mentality, impacting their relationships.
  • Understanding the sources of feeling aggrieved can be essential for personal growth and conflict resolution.

Literature

  • The theme of aggrievement appears in many literary works, often acting as a catalyst for conflict and character development.
  • Classic stories like Shakespeare's 'Hamlet' explore deep feelings of being wronged and the consequences that follow.
  • In contemporary literature, characters often grapple with feelings of betrayal, showcasing the emotional complexity of being aggrieved.

Pop Culture

  • Reality TV shows often highlight individuals feeling aggrieved by others’ actions, leading to drama and conflict resolution.
  • Popular songs sometimes address feelings of grievance, highlighting personal struggles and the journey to overcome them.
  • Social media has amplified the expression of grievances, allowing individuals to voice concerns over perceived injustices quickly.

Origin of 'aggrieving'

Main points about word origin

  • The word 'aggrieve' comes from Middle English 'agrevien,' meaning 'to harm or injure'.
  • It has roots in the Latin word 'grievare,' derived from 'gravis,' meaning 'heavy' or 'serious' which relates to the weight of burdensome emotions.
  • Initially, it focused on physical harm before evolving to encompass emotional and psychological distress.

The word 'aggrieve' originates from the Old French term 'aggriever', which translates to 'to make heavy or to burden', derived from 'ag-...' which means 'to' and 'grieve', meaning to cause sorrow or distress. The term entered Middle English around the 14th century, carrying the meaning of causing grief or sorrow to another. Over time, its use evolved, particularly within legal terminology, where it retains the specific connotation of having one’s rights violated or feeling harmed in a legal context. By the 17th century, the concept of aggrieving someone became more formalized in legal discourse, emphasizing the emotional and legal impact on individuals who experience injustice. This legal usage has continued to the present day, making 'aggrieving' a key term in discussions of legal rights and remedies.