exacerbate
/ɪɡˈzasəbeɪt
/ /ɛkˈsasəbeɪt/verb [with object]
Make (a problem, bad situation, or negative feeling) worse: the exorbitant cost of land in urban areas only exacerbated the problem the strong pound has exacerbated the situation by making it much harder for UK companies to compete on price...
- Rising energy costs, which are a result of a growing scarcity, as well as inflation, are exacerbating the situation.
- Pilots, unhappy at the increased expectations placed on them, are exacerbating the situation by striking for improved pay and conditions.
- These issues were all being felt in our local communities, with the last three years of public housing reforms only exacerbating the situation.
Synonyms
aggravate, make worse, worsen, inflame, compound;
intensify, increase, heighten, magnify, add to, amplify, augment;
make matters worse, compound the problem
informal add fuel to the fire/flames, fan the flames, rub salt in the wounds, add insult to injury
Derivatives
exacerbation
/ /ɪksasəˈbeɪʃ(ə)n / noun ...- It is possible to misinterpret worsening of symptoms as an exacerbation of multiple sclerosis.
- Asthma exacerbations increase morbidity and mortality in patients, decrease their quality of life, and increase the cost of treatment.
- Additionally, asthma exacerbations are reduced to levels that are arguably as low as might be expected.
Origin
Mid 17th century: from Latin exacerbat- 'made harsh', from the verb exacerbare, from ex- (expressing inducement of a state) + acerbus 'harsh, bitter'. The noun exacerbation (late Middle English) originally meant 'provocation to anger'.