To make heavy, but not used in this literal sense. Figuratively, to make worse, more severe, or less tolerable; as, to aggravate the evils of life; to aggravate pain or punishment.

To make more enormous, or less excusable; as, to aggravate a crime.

To exaggerate.

To give coloring in description; to give an exaggerated representation; as, to aggravate a charge against an offender; to aggravate circumstances. The propriety of the word in the latter passage is questionable. Aggravate is generally used in reference to evils, or something improper or unnatural.