aggravated

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

|Updated on: 11 Aug 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

Kevin Williams, 36, of the 600 block of South 16th Avenue, Maywood, was charged with aggravated driving under the influence and driving without insurance at 11:18 p.m. July 7 in the 400 block of North York Street.

— graydon megan, chicagotribune.com, "Elmhurst police blotter: Boy playing Pokemon Go in Wilder Park had sword, two knives," 13 July 2018
The judge read the charges: one count of aggravated murder, one of attempted aggravated murder.

— nancy rommelmann, Good Housekeeping, "Amanda Stott-Smith Was a Loving Mother of 3. So Why Did She Try to Murder Her 2 Youngest Kids?," 29 June 2018
Persaud was charged with aggravated fleeing and eluding of a law enforcement officer and leaving the scene of an accident causing injuries, but those charges were dropped.

— david harris, OrlandoSentinel.com, "Orange deputy who shot driver after hit-and-run showed 'needless aggression,' State Attorney's Office says," 31 May 2018
Christian, 36, is charged with aggravated murder and attempted murder.

— aimee green, OregonLive.com, "What defenses could MAX stabbing suspect Jeremy Christian possibly mount?," 25 May 2018
The girl's mother and the mother's boyfriend are charged with aggravated murder in her death.

— evan macdonald, cleveland.com, "Cuyahoga County makes changes to Children and Family Services after Aniya Day-Garrett's death," 15 May 2018
Her brother, Michael Grevious II, had been convicted of aggravated murder for orchestrating the killing of a youth football coach in 2016.

— keith bierygolick, Cincinnati.com, "'My son needs me': Convicted of murder, father begs for life after 'revenge' killing," 26 Apr. 2018
Ulbrich was booked with aggravated burglary in connection with the crime, reported in the early morning hours of Feb. 8 at the fire station at 341 Heritage Ave.

— laura mcknight, NOLA.com, "Man arrested in burglary at Terrytown fire station: JPSO," 26 Feb. 2018
If convicted of aggravated rape, Losano could face a sentence of life in prison.

— danny mcdonald, BostonGlobe.com, "Swampscott man charged with raping five women at gunpoint," 12 July 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.