Homonym: Aggravate (Exacerbate)
The term "aggravate" refers to the act of making a situation or condition worse or more severe. For example, if someone has a sore throat, yelling can aggravate the pain, making it more uncomfortable. It can also apply to emotions; a minor annoyance can be aggravated by additional stressors, leading to increased frustration.
In legal contexts, "aggravate" can describe factors that increase the severity of a crime. For instance, if a crime is committed with malice or involves a vulnerable victim, these elements can aggravate the offense, resulting in harsher penalties.