exacerbate
UK: ɪɡˈzæsəbeɪt | US: ɪɡˈzæsərbeɪt
vt. to make a problem, bad situation, or negative feeling worse
vt. (medical) to increase the severity or bitterness of a disease or symptom
exacerbate = ex<out, thoroughly> + acerb<bitter, harsh> + ate<verb suffix>
- ex: From Latin ex- ("out, thoroughly"), intensifying the root.
- acerb: From Latin acerbus ("bitter, harsh"), originally describing taste, later extended to emotional or physical severity.
- ate: A verb-forming suffix indicating action or process.
Etymology Origin:
The word traces back to Latin exacerbare ("to provoke, irritate"), combining ex- (thoroughly) + acerbus (harsh). It initially described literal bitterness (e.g., sour taste) but evolved metaphorically to mean worsening conditions. The medical sense emerged in the 17th century, aligning with the idea of "heightening severity."
The new policy only served to exacerbate the economic crisis.
Stress can exacerbate symptoms of chronic illnesses.
His harsh comments exacerbated the tension in the room.
Avoid spicy foods as they may exacerbate your heartburn.
The delay in treatment exacerbated the patient’s pain.