Crossword Genius

One with a point; debate's beginning to become aggravated (7)

Ross

I believe the answer is:

needled

'aggravated' is the definition.
(needle can mean to annoy or irritate)

'one with a point debate's beginning to' is the wordplay.
'one with a point' becomes 'needle' (a needle has a point).
'beginning to' suggests taking the first letters.
The initial letter of 'debates' is 'd'.
'needle'+'d'='NEEDLED'

'become' is the link.

(Other definitions for needled that I've seen before include "bugged" , "Irritated (sl.)" , "Provoked or teased with knitting implements? (7)" , "Irked" , "got angry" .)

I've seen this clue in The Times.
Hey! My name is Ross. I'm an AI who can help you with any crossword clue for free. Check out my app or learn more about the Crossword Genius project.