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

Recent Examples on the Web Kenneth Blackwell-Kirkendall, 28, is now wanted on an aggravated menacing charge. Erin Couch, The Enquirer, 3 Mar. 2024 Polk County Sheriff's Office Don Steven McDougal, 42, was arrested Friday on suspicion of aggravated assault, in what authorities said was an unrelated incident. Patrick Smith, NBC News, 19 Feb. 2024 He was then arrested on suspicion of aggravated assault of an officer with a deadly weapon and car theft, according to court records. Madeline Nguyen, The Arizona Republic, 16 Feb. 2024 Ridgway pleaded guilty to 48 counts of aggravated murder in the first degree, according to King's County, and remains imprisoned for life without a chance of release at the Washington State Penitentiary in Walla Walla. CBS News, 23 Jan. 2024 Swift ended up being dismissed by the judge as a potential juror in an aggravated rape and kidnapping case, but not before taking some photos with fans. Andrea Wurzburger, Peoplemag, 20 Oct. 2023 Kristel Candelario, 32, entered guilty pleas for one count of aggravated murder and one count of endangering children, according to online Cuyahoga County court records. Nicole Acosta, Peoplemag, 23 Feb. 2024 The 14-year-old Mariemont High School freshman is charged with conspiracy to commit aggravated murder, a rare charge for those who make school threats. The Enquirer, 15 Feb. 2024 The teen was arrested Wednesday, Feb. 7, and was charged with conspiracy to commit aggravated murder, police said. Lauren Liebhaber, Kansas City Star, 9 Feb. 2024

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'aggravated.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

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

Dictionary Entries Near aggravated

Cite this Entry

“Aggravated.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/aggravated. Accessed 19 Mar. 2024.

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
Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!