aggravate
/ˈæɡrəˌveɪt/
verb
- To make a problem, injury, or bad situation worse or more serious.
- Arguing with your boss will only aggravate the conflict.
- The heavy rain aggravated the flooding in the low-lying areas.
- Smoking can aggravate your asthma symptoms.
- To annoy or irritate someone.
- The slow internet connection really aggravates me when I'm trying to work.
- Don't aggravate your sister by taking her toys without asking.
- His constant humming during the test began to aggravate the other students.
Synonyms