Aggravate
/ˈæɡ.rə.veɪt/noun
To make a situation or condition worse or more severe.
Did you know?The term 'aggravate' originates from Latin roots meaning 'to add weight', linking it to the concept of burdensome troubles in life.
Etymological Timeline
Latin
Latin
aggravare
“to make heavier or more severe”
14th Century
Old French
aggraver
“to increase severity or intensity”
16th Century
Middle English
aggravaten
“to make worse or more serious”
Modern English
English
aggravate
“to intensify or exacerbate a negative situation”