aggravate
word
Definition
To make a bad situation, problem, or feeling worse than it was before. Sometimes also used informally to mean 'to annoy someone'.
Usage & Nuances
More formal than 'make worse'. Common collocations: 'aggravate a problem', 'aggravate symptoms', not used for positive situations. Informally, especially in American English, can mean 'annoy'. Don't confuse with 'irritate' (which primarily means 'annoy').
Spanish: agravar - empeorarPortuguese (BR): agravar - piorarPortuguese (PT): agravar - piorarChinese (Simplified): 加剧 - 恶化Chinese (Traditional): 加劇 - 惡化Hindi: बिगाड़ना - और खराब करनाArabic: يُفاقم - يزيد سوءًا
Example Sentences
Smoking can aggravate your cough.
basic
Loud noises aggravate her headache.
basic
The storm may aggravate the flooding.
basic
Don't say that to him—it will only aggravate the situation.
natural
His constant complaining really aggravates me.
natural
Trying to fix it without help might just aggravate the problem.
natural