aggravate

Example Sentences

Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.

And people do leave, including the ones Lemon seems to aggravate the most.

From Slate • Feb. 4, 2026

This heightened sensitivity can aggravate high blood pressure, diabetes and other chronic illnesses as well as raise the risks of accidents, falls and fractures.

From The Wall Street Journal • Oct. 16, 2025

For other patients, judgmental remarks from providers aggravate the effects of physical pain by making patients feel ashamed of or even responsible for it.

From Salon • Jun. 9, 2025

EU foreign policy chief Josep Borrell said "any further military intervention would dramatically aggravate the situation and it has to be avoided".

From BBC • Sep. 30, 2024

Use irritate to mean “inflame,” and use aggravate to mean “worsen.”

From "Woe Is I" by Patricia T. O'Conner