Aggravate

Aggravate means to make (a problem, injury, or feeling) worse or more serious. It implies an increase in severity or intensity, often through some action or inaction. It can also mean to annoy or irritate someone persistently. While the literal meaning pertains to worsening conditions, the informal use refers to provoking or exasperating a person to a state of agitation.

Aggravate meaning with examples

• The patient was warned not to aggravate his back injury by lifting heavy objects; failure to heed this advice would prolong his recovery and potentially lead to chronic pain.
• Her constant complaining about the noisy neighbors only served to aggravate the already tense situation within the apartment building, increasing the likelihood of further disputes.
• Ignoring the instructions to apply ice regularly only aggravated the swelling in her ankle, making it increasingly difficult for her to walk and delaying her return to sports.
• His condescending tone and dismissive attitude towards her ideas seemed designed to deliberately aggravate her, turning a productive discussion into a heated argument.