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 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 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 Jul. 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
Love words? Need even more definitions?

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