aggravated

adjective

ag·​gra·​vat·​ed ˈa-grə-ˌvā-təd How to pronounce aggravated (audio)
1
: 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

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.
He was charged with two counts of aggravated manslaughter, two counts of vehicular homicide, evidence tampering and leaving the scene of an accident. Paulina Dedaj, FOXNews.com, 15 Apr. 2025 There have also been drops in aggravated assaults, rapes and armed robberies, according to CMPD’s data. Jeff A. Chamer, Charlotte Observer, 11 Apr. 2025 Edward Johnston, 25, will be sentenced on May 13 to 15 years in New Jersey State Prison as part of his plea agreement for aggravated manslaughter, the Atlantic County Prosecutor’s Office said in a press release. Theresa Braine, New York Daily News, 5 Mar. 2025 Majors was arrested and charged with three counts of third-degree assault, one count of second-degree harassment and one count of aggravated harassment, all misdemeanors. Rebecca Keegan, The Hollywood Reporter, 14 Mar. 2025 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

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Cite this Entry

“Aggravated.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/aggravated. Accessed 22 Apr. 2025.

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

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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