exacerbate

//ɪɡˈzæs.ə.beɪt//
C1Frequency Level 10Formal
Visual representation of exacerbate

Verb

exacerbateInfinitive
exacerbatePresent tense
exacerbatedPast tense
exacerbatedPast participle
exacerbatingPresent participle
exacerbatesThird-person singular
1

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

The heavy rain exacerbated the flooding in the city.

2

To irritate or aggravate someone or something.

His constant complaints only exacerbated her frustration.