Exacerbate

Thursday, May 1, 2025
Word of the Day

What is Exacerbate?

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

Pronunciation

US pronunciation: /ɪɡˈzæsərˌbeɪt/
UK pronunciation: /ɪɡˈzɑː.sə.beɪt/
Slow pronunciation: ig-ZASS-er-bate

Meaning Explained

Exacerbate means to intensify or aggravate a negative condition, often by adding tension, stress, or complications.

Why This Word?

Chosen to spotlight the importance of measured responses — especially in a world where impulsive actions can quickly exacerbate conflict.

Examples of Use

Here's how this word appears in everyday language:

  • Poor communication only served to exacerbate the misunderstanding.
  • The drought has exacerbated tensions between farmers and lawmakers.
  • Raising taxes during a recession could exacerbate economic decline.

Word Origins

Latin exacerbare, from ex- (thoroughly) + acerbus (harsh, bitter)

Originally used in medical and emotional contexts to describe worsening symptoms or tempers.

First appearance in English: 17th century

Word Family

Related forms of this word:

  • Noun: exacerbation

    The patient showed signs of symptom exacerbation.

  • Adjective: exacerbated

    The crisis was exacerbated by poor leadership.

  • Noun: acerbity

    Her comment had a tone of acerbity that deepened the tension.

Around the World

How this word appears in other languages:

  • Spanish: exacerbar
  • French: exacerber
  • German: verschärfen
  • Italian: esacerbare
  • Portuguese: exacerbar

If you Already Know This Word

If you've mastered this word, try these more advanced alternatives:

Aggravate

Both imply worsening, but “exacerbate” often carries a more severe or formal tone.

Inflame

“Inflame” suggests stirring up emotions, while “exacerbate” focuses on intensifying negative conditions.

Escalate

“Escalate” is about increase in scale; “exacerbate” is about worsening quality or condition.

Fun Facts

  • “Exacerbate” originally referred to sharpening or intensifying emotions like anger.
  • The word appears frequently in medical journals when describing worsened symptoms.

Cultural Usage

  • Officials warned that new sanctions might exacerbate regional instability.
  • Air pollution can exacerbate asthma and other respiratory illnesses.

Common Mistakes

Sometimes confused with “aggravate”; both can mean “make worse,” but “exacerbate” often has a sharper, more intense connotation.

Micro Story

Cutting funding now would only exacerbate the housing crisis.