English vocabulary · C1
Exacerbate
/ɪɡˈzæs.ər.beɪt/ · v.
It means to make a bad situation even worse. A small problem grows into a bigger one.
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Example sentences
- Stress can exacerbate physical pain.
- The new policy exacerbated the housing problem.
Word origin and roots
from Latin
- ex — out (from Latin)
- acerb — sharp (from Latin)
Synonyms and nuances
- WORSEN — become more bad (General & Everyday)
- AGGRAVATE — make more serious (By adding pressure)
- INTENSIFY — make more intense (Growing stronger or louder)
Words with the same root
acerb — sharp
- acid — sharp or sour substance
- acute — sharp and serious
- acrimony — sharp and bitter feeling
Lesson notes
Exacerbate. It means to make a bad situation even worse. A small problem grows into a bigger one.
Similar words are worsen, aggravate, and intensify. Use exacerbate when one thing actively makes a bad situation grow worse.
Stress can exacerbate physical pain. The new policy exacerbated the housing problem.
From Latin. Ex- means out. Acerb- means sharp. Push something sharp out further — that is exacerbate.