aggravated

adjective ag·gra·vat·ed \ ˈa-grə-ˌvā-təd \

|Updated on: 16 Jun 2018

Definition of aggravated

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

See aggravated defined for English-language learners

Recent Examples of aggravated from the Web

Prosecutor Nikola Novak said that they are charged with aggravated rape and forced prostitution in nearly 50 cases, among other offenses.

— Fox News, "German couple tried over rape, online selling of 9-year-old," 11 June 2018
According to court documents, Clepper was allegedly combative, aggravated and aggressive toward bystanders and MCHD paramedics.

— jennifer summer, Houston Chronicle, "Man indicted for intoxication manslaughter in fatal Magnolia crash re-arrested in Harris County," 8 June 2018
His previous long-term stays behind bars include a year for cocaine possession and grand theft auto; three years, four months for burglary, grand theft and criminal mischief; and almost six months for aggravated stalking violating a court order.

— david j. neal, miamiherald, "This ex-con pulled his 70-year-old uncle out of the chair — by his privates, cops say," 6 June 2018
Alexis also mentioned that NOPD arrested West in 2011 and booked him with aggravated rape involving two or more offenders.

— michelle hunter, NOLA.com, "Gymnastics coach accused of sexually abusing victims during car rides," 5 June 2018
The Clermont County Sheriff’s Office issued a warrant for Williamson on a charge of aggravated burglary and released a robbery surveillance photo that appears to show a man leaving Family Dollar carrying the cash register.

— sheila vilvens, Cincinnati.com, "Police search for man in connection with robbery at Family Dollar," 4 June 2018
The Kane County State’s Attorney’s Office authorized four felony charges, three for aggravated use of a weapon and one for possession of a defaced firearm, according to police.

— megan jones, Aurora Beacon-News, "Two face gun charges in Aurora," 31 May 2018
Rafael Rodriguez, 28, 600 block of Lafayette Street, Aurora, was charged with aggravated battery and domestic battery at 2:40 a.m. Tuesday at his home, Aurora police said.

— erika wurst, Aurora Beacon-News, "Police: Aurora man facing DUI charge," 31 May 2018
Casey Anthony was put on trial, but after a month and a half, she was found not guilty of first-degree murder, aggravated manslaughter and aggravated child abuse, Fox News reported.

— natalie dreier, ajc, "Casey Anthony’s parents speak out about daughter, granddaughter, 10 years after Caylee’s death," 30 May 2018

These example sentences are selected automatically from various online news sources to reflect current usage of the word 'aggravated.' Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.