aggravated

adjective

ag·​gra·​vat·​ed ˈa-grə-ˌvā-təd How to pronounce aggravated (audio)
Synonyms of aggravatednext
1
informal : angry or displeased especially because of small problems or annoyances : feeling or showing aggravation
Sid snored on. Tom was aggravated. He said, "Sid, Sid!" and shook him.—Mark Twain
The maid sounded very aggravated.—Louise Fitzhugh
2
law, of a criminal offense : considered more serious or heinous than normal : characterized by aggravating elements (such as the use of a deadly weapon)
aggravated manslaughter
see also aggravated assault

Synonyms of aggravated

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Examples of aggravated in a Sentence

aggravated customers looking in vain for a salesclerk for assistance
Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Because being unemployed tends to make people quite aggravated and unhappy too. — Culture Critic, Los Angeles Times, 19 Jan. 2026 Hernandez, Espina and Napoles are all charged with home invasion robbery with a firearm, kidnapping and aggravated battery, court records show. — Sofia Saric, Miami Herald, 30 Dec. 2025 Rodriguez was convicted in 2020 of stalking and aggravated assault. — Ronald J. Hansen, AZCentral.com, 29 Jan. 2026 In December, a jury convicted Moore for aggravated battery to a peace officer causing great bodily harm and resisting a peace officer, per the news release. — Aurora Beacon-News, Chicago Tribune, 13 Mar. 2026 See All Example Sentences for aggravated

Word History

Etymology

from past participle of aggravate

First Known Use

circa 1611, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of aggravated was circa 1611

Phrases Containing aggravated

Rhymes for aggravated

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Browse Nearby Words

aggravate
aggravated
aggravated assault
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Cite this Entry

“Aggravated.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/aggravated. Accessed 10 Jul. 2026.

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Legal Definition

aggravated

adjective
ag·​gra·​vat·​ed
: characterized by aggravating elements (as the use of a deadly weapon)
aggravated kidnapping

More from Merriam-Webster on aggravated

Nglish: Translation of aggravated for Spanish Speakers

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