Exacerbate
To make something worse; to aggravate or intensify a problem or situation.
verbExacerbate
To make something worse; to aggravate or intensify a problem or situation.
verbImagine This
Instead of trying to apply the brake to slow down the car, the driver pressed the gas pedal and caused the car to accelerate, resulting in unnecessary death in the accident.
Sounds Like
ek-SAS-er-bayt
Looks Like
ex-acerbate (contains 'acerb' meaning bitter) or resembles 'accelerate' in sound but not meaning
Remember This
When you exacerbate a problem, you make it worse. The word often appears in discussions of health, finance, or conflicts where a minor issue becomes more severe due to additional actions.
Other Forms
Connect With
worsen, aggravate, inflame, intensify, heighten
Note
Exacerbate is a transitive verb and requires a direct object (e.g., 'to exacerbate a problem'). Do not confuse with 'exaggerate' (to overstate) or with 'exhaust' (to tire).
Study Deeper
- The drought exacerbates water shortages in the region.
- His careless comments exacerbated tensions between the two groups.
From Latin exacerbare (to make bitter, irritate), from acerbus 'bitter, harsh' + -are (verb suffix).
EX-ACER-BATE: ex = out, acer = bitter/harsh, bate = make. Remember that exacerbating a problem means making it out-bitter or more severe.
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Receptive
adjectiveWilling to consider or receive new ideas, signals, or feedback; open to information and influence.
Eradicate
verbTo remove or destroy completely, especially something harmful or unwanted, by rooting it out or eliminating it entirely.
Applaud
verbTo clap one's hands in praise, approval, or admiration; to express praise publicly.
Similar Words
Related words and words with the same part of speech.
Abandon
verbTo give up completely, to desert or leave behind, or to relinquish a claim, plan, or responsibility.
Abate
verbTo decrease in amount or intensity; to reduce or end something.
Abolish
verbTo formally end or repeal a system, practice, or institution; to officially put an end to something established.
Abridge
verbTo shorten (a text, speech, or other work) by omitting parts; to condense.
Abscond
verbTo depart secretly or flee, especially to avoid detection or arrest.
Absolve
verbTo free someone from blame or responsibility; to pardon or exonerate.