verb
exacerbate
ig-ZAS-er-bayt/ɪɡˈzæsərbeɪt/
To make something bad worse.
Scratching the irritated skin exacerbates its redness and discomfort.
Etymology
Latin acerbus means “harsh, bitter,” with ex- perhaps adding “thoroughly.” Making something more bitter or hostile provides the connection to the broader sense of worsening pain, conflict, or a bad situation.
In context
it's going to make your blepharitis worse it's going to exacerbate the amount of sleep and discharge that you find in the morning
More examples
- His sarcastic remarks exacerbated the tension between them.
- The loud music is exacerbating my headache.
- Another delivery delay will exacerbate the shortage.
Forms
exacerbate · exacerbates · exacerbated · exacerbating
exacerbation noun — The act of making something bad worse.
Similar words
- aggravate
- Also means to annoy someone, unlike exacerbate.
- worsen
- Applies to becoming worse as well as making worse.