exasperate
UK: ɪɡˈzɑːspəreɪt | US: ɪɡˈzæspəreɪt
vt. to irritate or provoke someone to the point of intense frustration
vt. to worsen a negative situation or feeling
exasperate = ex<out, thoroughly> + asper<rough> + ate<verb suffix>
- ex (Latin: "out" or "thoroughly")
- asper (Latin: "rough," from asperare "to roughen")
- ate (verb-forming suffix indicating action)
Etymology Origin:
The word exasperate traces back to Latin exasperare, combining ex- (intensifier) and asper (rough). It originally described making something physically rough or harsh, later evolving metaphorically to mean "to provoke irritation." The modern sense reflects the idea of "roughening" someone's temper or emotions.
His constant interruptions began to exasperate the teacher.
The delays in the project only served to exasperate the team.
She was exasperated by his refusal to listen.
Traffic jams exasperate commuters daily.
Don’t exasperate the situation by arguing further.