aggravate

To aggravate something is to make it worse, whether it's a physical problem, an emotional state, or a tricky situation. Think of a tense conflict: if you keep adding fuel to the fire, you'll aggravate the hostility until it boils over. Similarly, if someone has a headache, loud noises will likely aggravate their pain.

Historically, aggravate always meant to make something worse—like worsening an illness or intensifying a conflict. However, it's now also commonly used to mean "to annoy" or "irritate," though some purists still prefer that sense be reserved for making things objectively worse. You might say, "His constant humming really aggravates me," meaning it bothers you intensely.

It's a versatile word with a bit of nuance. When describing a problem, aggravate implies worsening an existing condition. When describing someone's behavior toward another person, it can mean either making a situation worse or simply being irritating. So, pay attention to the context! Whether you're talking about a medical issue or a personality clash, aggravate always suggests increasing discomfort or difficulty.