aggravate

/ˈæɡ.ɹə.veɪ̯t/verb

To make a bad situation, offense, or condition even worse or more serious.

Example sentence

“Lying to the police only aggravated his offense.”

Careful writers reserve it for making things worse: you aggravate an injury. Using it to mean "annoy" is common but informal.

Related words

agileAble to move quickly, lightly, and with ease.agendaA list of matters to be discussed or dealt with, arranged in order.agitationA troubled, restless state in which someone's peace of mind is disturbed.agencyA business that provides a service or acts on behalf of other people or companies, or the office where it operates.agonyVery severe pain or suffering.aftermathThe period or effects that follow a serious or unpleasant event.