acerbus

harsh, bitter

2 / 2

Small leak worsens into spreading floor damage.

noun

exacerbation

ig-zas-er-BAY-shun/ɪɡˌzæsərˈbeɪʃn/

A worsening of a problem or medical condition.

Etymology

exLatinout, away; also thoroughly

+acerbLatinharsh, bitter

+ationLatinan action, process, or result

The “harsh, bitter” base gave a verb meaning “irritate or provoke,” with ex- perhaps intensifying it. The noun carries that idea of aggravation into the worsening of an illness, problem, or situation.

Full entry

Related word entries

exacerbate
exacerbation