Need another word for exacerbate? Use these synonyms of exacerbate from our thesaurus to say it differently.
Synonyms & Similar Words
aggravate
worsen
intensify
increase
heighten
escalate
inflame
irritate
annoy
vex
provoke
anger
infuriate
enrage
infuriate
exasperate
frustrate
irk
rile
peeve
nettle
gall
grate
rankle
chafe
harass
plague
torment
bedevil
beset
persecute
oppress
tyrannize
mistreat
maltreat
abuse
misuse
overburden
overload
overtax
strain
stress
overextend
overexert
Meaning of exacerbate
The primary meaning of the word "exacerbate" is to make a problem or situation worse.
Definitions
- To make a problem, situation, or condition worse or more severe
- * To irritate or annoy someone, especially by making a problem or situation worse
Etymology of exacerbate
The word "exacerbate" comes from the Latin words "ex" meaning "out" or "forth" and "acere" meaning "to sharpen" or "to vex", with the past participle "acerbare" later influencing the English term, originally meaning to sharpen or irritate, and later to worsen or aggravate
Example Uses
- The new policy will exacerbate the existing social inequality
- * The hot weather will exacerbate the drought
- * Her comments only served to exacerbate the situation