Definitions for: Aggravate


[v] make worse; "This drug aggravates the pain"
[v] exasperate or irritate



Webster (1913) Definition: Ag"gra*vate, v. t. [imp. & p. p. Aggravated; p.
pr. & vb. n. Aggravating.] [L. aggravatus, p. p. of
aggravare. See Aggrieve.]
1. To make heavy or heavier; to add to; to increase. [Obs.]
``To aggravate thy store.'' --Shak.

2. To make worse, or more severe; to render less tolerable or
less excusable; to make more offensive; to enhance; to
intensify. ``To aggravate my woes.'' --Pope.

To aggravate the horrors of the scene. --Prescott.

The defense made by the prisoner's counsel did
rather aggravate than extenuate his crime.
--Addison.

3. To give coloring to in description; to exaggerate; as, to
aggravate circumstances. --Paley.

4. To exasperate; to provoke; to irritate. [Colloq.]

If both were to aggravate her parents, as my brother
and sister do mine. --Richardson
(Clarissa).

Syn: To heighten; intensify; increase; magnify; exaggerate;
provoke; irritate; exasperate.

Synonyms: exacerbate, exacerbate, exasperate, exasperate, worsen

Antonyms: ameliorate, amend, better, improve, meliorate

See Also: alter, anger, change, cheapen, degrade, inflame, irritate

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