aggravated

adjective

ag·​gra·​vat·​ed ˈa-grə-ˌvā-təd 

1

informal : 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 of aggravated

• 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

He was also charged with grooming, traveling to meet a minor, and aggravated battery. —Lauren Victory, CBS News, 20 Apr. 2026

The charges include aggravated assault, evading arrest, reckless endangerment, reckless driving, speeding, and assault on a first responder. —Ingrid Vasquez, PEOPLE, 17 Apr. 2026

In December, a jury convicted Moore for aggravated battery to a peace officer causing great bodily harm and resisting a peace officer, per the news release. —Aurora Beacon-News, Chicago Tribune, 13 Mar. 2026

Rodriguez was convicted in 2020 of stalking and aggravated assault. —Ronald J. Hansen, AZCentral.com, 29 Jan. 2026

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