exacerbate
ig-ZAS-er-bayt
/ɪɡˈzæs.ə.beɪt/
To make a problem, bad situation, or negative feeling worse.
Specifically refers to worsening an existing condition or problem, often through an external action that adds 'bitterness'.
The story behind the word. The word comes from the Latin 'exacerbare', which combines 'ex-' (thoroughly) with 'acerbus' (bitter). Originally, it meant to literally make something taste more bitter. Over time, it shifted from the tongue to the mind, describing the sharpening of pain or the worsening of a crisis.
Word relationships
- aggravate: Aggravate is more common in casual speech and can also mean to annoy a person, whereas exacerbate is more formal and usually refers to situations.
- worsen: Worsen is a simpler, more general term, while exacerbate implies a specific increase in severity or bitterness.
- alleviate: Alleviate means to make a problem less severe or easier to endure.
- mitigate: Mitigate involves making something less harsh, hostile, or severe.
Commonly confused with
- exasperate: Exacerbate is for making a situation worse; exasperate is for making a person feel frustrated.
Word family
- exacerbation (noun): The process of making a problem or condition worse.
Collocations
- exacerbate the problem
- exacerbate tensions
- exacerbate symptoms
Example sentences
- "The new tax laws only served to exacerbate the existing wealth gap between the urban and rural populations." Economic policy analysis
- "Exposure to high levels of pollution can exacerbate asthma symptoms in young children." Medical literature
Memory hook
Think of an 'ex' (former partner) who makes a 'bad' situation 'ate' (worse). Ex-acerbate: Extra-bitter.
When not to use
Do not use for making a good situation better; it is strictly for negative contexts.
Fun facts
- In medical contexts, an 'exacerbation' is a specific term for a sudden worsening of a chronic condition like COPD.
Related words
Explore more words
exasperate, embittered, deteriorate, inflame, mitigate, perpetuate
Also appears in
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