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Definition of exacerbate

exacerbate

/ɪɡˈzæs.ɚ.beɪt/
ex · ac · er · bate
Adjective:exacerbated
•
Past Simple:exacerbated
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Past Participle:exacerbated
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Present Participle:exacerbating
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exacerbate Lexical Profile

exacerbate Game Scores & Validity

• verb

1

To make a problem, bad situation, or negative feeling worse or more severe.

Example

"The prolonged drought will only exacerbate the region's ongoing water shortage."

Synonyms
View all synonyms for exacerbate
Antonyms
View all antonyms for exacerbate

Word Nuance & Usage

In formal usage, 'exacerbate' means to make a bad situation worse, whereas 'aggravate' traditionally meant to make worse and only informally means to annoy or irritate.

• Rhymes for exacerbate

• Nearby Words

ewaso ng'iro
ewe
ex
exacerbate
exacerbation
exact
exacting

Word Origin & Etymology

Borrowed in the mid-17th century from Latin exacerbatus, the past participle of exacerbare ('to irritate' or 'make harsh'), formed from ex- ('thoroughly') and acerbus ('bitter' or 'harsh').

Cite this Entry

Wordmom. (2026). Definition of Exacerbate. In Wordmom Dictionary. Retrieved Nov 5, 2026, from https://wordmom.com/dictionary/exacerbate
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