exacerbate

[ ig-zas-er-beyt, ek-sas- ]

verb (used with object)

, ex·ac·er·bat·ed, ex·ac·er·bat·ing.

1. to increase the severity, bitterness, or violence of (disease, ill feeling, etc.); aggravate.

   Synonyms: worsen, inflame, intensify

   Antonyms: alleviate, soothe, relieve

2. to embitter the feelings of (a person); irritate; exasperate.

exacerbate

/ ɪɡˈzæsəˌbeɪt; ɪkˈsæs- /

verb

1. to make (pain, disease, emotion, etc) more intense; aggravate
2. to exasperate or irritate (a person)

Derived Forms

• exˌacerˈbation, noun

Other Words From

• ex·ac·er·bat·ing·ly adverb
• ex·ac·er·ba·tion [ig-zas-er-, bey, -sh, uh, n, ek-sas-], noun
• un·ex·ac·er·bat·ing adjective

Word History and Origins

Origin of exacerbate¹

First recorded in 1650–60; from Latin exacerbātus (past participle of exacerbāre “to exasperate, provoke”), equivalent to ex- ex- ¹ + acerbātus acerbate

Word History and Origins

Origin of exacerbate¹

C17: from Latin exacerbāre to irritate, from acerbus bitter

Example Sentences

Tanton also had an early and lucid understanding that climate change would exacerbate the country’s immigration conundrum, and it ultimately framed his life’s work.

From Salon

Virtually unknown is that Tanton also had an early and lucid understanding that climate change would exacerbate the country’s immigration conundrum, and it ultimately framed his life’s work.

From Salon

The increasingly embattled junta responded in part by pushing forward with mandatory conscription, despite warnings from experts that it could exacerbate the nation’s civil conflict.

From BBC

In Arizona, Mayes said Trump's violent speech could only exacerbate the tensions in his swing state.

From Salon

The department has often isolated detainees with severe mental illness, which can exacerbate suicidal intentions.

From Los Angeles Times

Related Words

• aggravate
• annoy
• heighten
• inflame
• intensify
• irritate
• provoke
• worsen