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

Tuscarawas County prosecutors charged Ruth Miller, 40, on Wednesday, Aug. 27, with two counts of aggravated murder. —Saleen Martin, USA Today, 28 Aug. 2025

Over the first six months of 2025, the index shows a 21% decrease in homicides over the same period of 2024, while aggravated assaults—which includes non-fatal shootings—were down 8%. —Mark Vancleave, Chicago Tribune, 27 Aug. 2025

Scott Hickman, 53, was found guilty of four counts of aggravated murder and two counts of murder, according to an Aug. 21 news release from Ohio Attorney General Dave Yost. —Mike Stunson, Kansas City Star, 26 Aug. 2025

But authorities are expected to charge her with aggravated murder in connection with the death of the 4-year-old, NBC reported. —Samira Asma-Sadeque, People.com, 26 Aug. 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