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Exacerbate

Definitions and Meaning in English

1. To make a situation, problem, or feeling worse or more intense.
2. To intensify the negative effects of something, such as a conflict or illness.
3. To aggravate or worsen an existing condition, particularly in terms of health or emotions.

History and Origin

The word “exacerbate” comes from the Latin exacerbare, meaning “to make harsh” or “to aggravate.” It is formed from ex- meaning “thoroughly” and acerbare meaning “to make sour or sharp.” The term entered the English language in the late 16th century and has been used ever since to describe the act of worsening or intensifying an already problematic situation.

Detailed Explanation

“Exacerbate” refers to the action of worsening or intensifying something that is already negative. It is commonly used in contexts where a problem or condition becomes more severe due to a certain action or event. The term is often applied to physical or emotional health issues, conflicts, or difficult situations. For example, if a person has a cold and continues to work in a cold environment, it could exacerbate their symptoms, making them worse. Similarly, an argument can be exacerbated by harsh words, making reconciliation more difficult.

Example Sentences

1. His rude comments only served to exacerbate the tension in the room.
2. The cold weather exacerbated her symptoms, causing her to feel worse.
3. The delay in the project deadline exacerbated the frustration among the team members.
4. Poor communication can exacerbate conflicts in the workplace.
5. The lack of medical attention can exacerbate a minor injury into a more serious condition.
6. His actions only exacerbated the situation, making it harder to resolve.
7. The economic downturn has exacerbated unemployment rates across the country.
8. The heavy rain exacerbated the flooding in the area.
9. Overeating can exacerbate digestive problems, leading to discomfort.

Synonyms with Short Explanation

1. Aggravate – To make something worse, particularly a situation or condition.
2. Intensify – To increase the severity or strength of something, often a negative situation.
3. Worsen – To cause something to become worse or more difficult.
4. Heighten – To increase the degree or intensity of something, often emotions or conflict.
5. Exasperate – To irritate or make someone more frustrated, often leading to worsened circumstances.

Related Words with Short Explanation

1. Inflame – To intensify feelings or situations, particularly anger or conflict.
2. Complicate – To make a situation or problem more difficult to manage or resolve.
3. Agony – Intense physical or emotional pain, often worsened by certain factors.
4. Contaminate – To pollute or make something worse, often in terms of health or purity.
5. Annoy – To irritate or make a situation more difficult, often leading to exacerbation of frustration.

More Matches with Short Explanation

1. Deteriorate – To worsen or decline in quality, often used in medical or environmental contexts.
2. Magnify – To make something appear larger or more intense, often amplifying negative traits.
3. Impede – To hinder or slow down progress, often exacerbating a problem.
4. Distress – To cause a state of anxiety or pain, often made worse by additional factors.
5. Unsettle – To disturb or cause unease, often exacerbating emotional instability.

Antonyms

1. Alleviate
2. Mitigate
3. Ease
4. Relieve
5. Calm