English · Common Verbs
exacerbate
/ɪɡˈzæs.ə.beɪt/
[/ɪɡˈzæs.ə.beɪt/]
make worse
Advancedverb
Definition
To make a problem, situation, or feeling worse or more severe.
Example
Ignoring the early symptoms only served to exacerbate the patient's condition.
Ignoring the early symptoms only served to exacerbate the patient's condition.
Etymology
From Latin 'exacerbare' (to irritate), from 'ex-' plus 'acerbus' (bitter).
How & Where It’s Used
Common in medical, political, and analytical writing.