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.
The man Smith is facing charges of capital murder and aggravated assault, sheriff’s records show. Tj MacIas, Miami Herald, 2 Oct. 2025 Prosecutors have charged Robinson with seven counts, including aggravated murder, which carries the potential death penalty, felony firearms charges, obstruction of justice, witness tampering and committing violence in the presence of a child. Sarah Rumpf-Whitten, FOXNews.com, 2 Oct. 2025 In September, the charge for aggravated assault with a deadly weapon was dismissed, according to DHS. Suzanne Gamboa, NBC news, 26 Sep. 2025 Tyler Robinson has been accused of the killing and was formally charged with single counts of aggravated murder, felony discharge of a firearm and violent offense in the presence of a child, along with two counts each of obstruction of justice and witness tampering. Nicholas Rice, PEOPLE, 22 Sep. 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

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

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