aggravated

adjective

ag·​gra·​vat·​ed ˈa-grə-ˌvā-təd 

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

Synonyms

• irritated
• annoyed
• bothered
• exasperated
• upset
• angry

Examples of aggravated in a Sentence

aggravated customers looking in vain for a salesclerk for assistance

Recent Examples on the Web

The penalty for an aggravated DUI is up to 15 years in prison, $5,000 fine, 5-year driver’s license suspension and restitution, according to Canyon County. —Carolyn Komatsoulis, Idaho Statesman, 24 June 2025

Donald Pinnock was charged Sunday with aggravated unlicensed operation of a motor vehicle. —Rocco Parascandola, New York Daily News, 23 June 2025

Feras Hamdan, 36, of Westlake, Ohio, is awaiting a court appearance on an aggravated menacing charge after voluntarily surrendering with an attorney present, according to a news release from police in Rocky River, a Cleveland suburb. —Elizabeth Crisp, The Hill, 20 June 2025

Tate was charged with outstanding warrants for aggravated escape and escape from custody. —Jack Moore, ABC News, 26 May 2025

Word History

Etymology

from past participle of aggravate

First Known Use

circa 1611, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Phrases Containing aggravated

• aggravated assault

Rhymes for aggravated

• abdicated
• abrogated
• acclimated
• activated
• actuated
• adumbrated
• advocated
• aggregated
• agitated
• allocated
• alternated
• amputated

Legal Definition

aggravated

adjective

ag·​gra·​vat·​ed

: characterized by aggravating elements (as the use of a deadly weapon)

aggravated kidnapping