exacerbate
To make a problem, bad situation, or negative feeling worse.
Examples
In a meeting
“Delayed responses will only exacerbate the client's frustration.”
Over coffee
“Skipping meals exacerbates my headaches.”
Why this word
worsen
Exacerbate specifically implies making an already bad situation worse, while worsen is more general and doesn't emphasize the pre-existing negative state
aggravate
Exacerbate is more formal and clinical, typically used for serious situations like diseases or conflicts, while aggravate is more casual
intensify
Exacerbate specifically means making something worse, while intensify neutrally means making stronger (could be positive or negative)
Usage tip
Only used with negative situations — you exacerbate problems, never good things.
Etymology
Latin exacerbare — ex (thoroughly) + acerbus (harsh, bitter)
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Related words
undermine
To gradually weaken or damage something, often secretly or indirectly.
roadblock
An obstacle that prevents progress
chronic
Persisting for a long time or constantly recurring
mitigate
To make something less severe, serious, or painful.
substantiate
To provide evidence to support or prove the truth of a claim.
alleviate
To make suffering, a problem, or a burden less severe.