AGGRAVATION

aggravation, exacerbation

(noun) action that makes a problem or a disease (or its symptoms) worse; “the aggravation of her condition resulted from lack of care”

aggravation, irritation, provocation

(noun) unfriendly behavior that causes anger or resentment

aggravation, exasperation

(noun) an exasperated feeling of annoyance

Source: WordNet® 3.1

Etymology

Noun

aggravation (countable and uncountable, plural aggravations)

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.

Synonym: exacerbation

Exaggerated representation.

An extrinsic circumstance or accident which increases the guilt of a crime or the misery of a calamity.

(informal) Provocation, irritation, annoyance.

Source: Wiktionary

Ag`gra*va"tion, n. Etym: [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.

2. Exaggerated representation. By a little aggravation of the features changed it into the Saracen's head. Addison.

3. An extrinsic circumstance or accident which increases the guilt of a crime or the misery of a calamity.

4. Provocation; irritation. [Colloq.] Dickens.

Source: Webster’s Unabridged Dictionary 1913 Edition