What is an alternate meaning for "aggravate"?

The term "aggravate" primarily means to make a situation more serious or severe, which aligns perfectly with the choice that states "to make a situation worse." This usage is particularly common in both casual and formal contexts. For example, if a minor injury becomes aggravated, it means that the injury has worsened over time.

In contrast, other choices provide meanings that are quite distant from the essence of "aggravate." To pacify suggests calming or soothing a situation, which is the opposite of making it worse. Clarifying an issue means to make it clearer, moving towards resolution, not exacerbation. Similarly, resolving a disagreement directly deals with solving a problem, again implying improvement rather than deterioration.