[syn: aggravation, exacerbation]
The Collaborative International Dictionary of English v.0.48:
Aggravation \Ag`gra*va"tion\, n. [LL. aggravatio: cf. F.
aggravation.]
1. The act of aggravating, or making worse; -- used of evils,
natural or moral; the act of increasing in severity or
heinousness; something additional to a crime or wrong and
enhancing its guilt or injurious consequences.
[1913 Webster]
2. Exaggerated representation.
[1913 Webster]
By a little aggravation of the features changed it
into the Saracen's head. --Addison.
[1913 Webster]
3. An extrinsic circumstance or accident which increases the
guilt of a crime or the misery of a calamity.
[1913 Webster]
4. Provocation; irritation. [Colloq.] --Dickens.
[1913 Webster]
WordNet (r) 3.0 (2006):
aggravation
n 1: an exasperated feeling of annoyance [syn: aggravation,
exasperation]
2: unfriendly behavior that causes anger or resentment [syn:
aggravation, irritation, provocation]
3: action that makes a problem or a disease (or its symptoms)
worse; "the aggravation of her condition resulted from lack
of care" [syn: aggravation, exacerbation]