aggrieve

[ uh-greev ]

verb (used with object)

aggrieved, aggrieving.

1. to oppress or wrong grievously; injure by injustice.
2. to afflict with pain, anxiety, etc.

aggrieve

/ əˈɡriːv /

verb

1. often impersonal or passive to grieve; distress; afflict

   it aggrieved her much that she could not go

2. to injure unjustly, esp by infringing a person's legal rights

Other Word Forms

• ag·grievement noun

Word History and Origins

Origin of aggrieve¹

1250–1300; Middle English agreven < Middle French agrever < Latin aggravāre to make heavy, worsen, equivalent to ag- ag- + grav- ( grave ² ) + -āre infinitive suffix; aggravate

Word History and Origins

Origin of aggrieve¹

C14: agreven, via Old French from Latin aggravāre to aggravate

Example Sentences

This is an important fact that is not commented upon enough in the dominant narrative that Trumpism is primarily about an aggrieved “working class.”

From Salon

It has been hypothesized that feelings of despair, loss, loneliness, aggrieved entitlement, and an overall feeling of loss of honor and direction in life explained support for Trump and authoritarian populism among that population.

From Salon

The answer is complicated, but that won’t necessarily mollify a California electorate that seems anxious, aggrieved and out of sorts — especially as regards the state’s current chief executive.

From Los Angeles Times

As well as being perplexed at how their side lost, PSG fans will also feel aggrieved at some decisions that went against them early on.

From BBC

Trump really is that small, but in his defense, any playground bully would be aggrieved.

From Salon

Related Words

• oppress