1. To make a situation worse or more serious; to add factors that increase the severity of a crime or wrongdoing
The fact that he committed the crime while on parole aggravated the circumstances of his offense.
O fato de ele ter cometido o crime enquanto estava em liberdade condicional agravou as circunstâncias de sua ofensa.
2. In legal context, to introduce or emphasize factors that increase culpability or penalty
The use of a weapon aggravated the circumstances of the assault.
O uso de uma arma agravou as circunstâncias da agressão.