Exacerbate: meaning, definitions and examples
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exacerbate
[ɪɡˈzæs.ər.beɪt ]
Definition
make a problem, bad situation, or negative feeling worse
To exacerbate means to make a problem, bad situation, or negative feeling worse. It is the act of increasing the severity or intensity of something already bad. This word is often used in the context of worsening a situation or making it more difficult to deal with. Exacerbate is commonly used in discussions about conflicts, crises, and challenges.
Synonyms
aggravate, exaggerate, intensify, provoke, worsen.
Which Synonym Should You Choose?
| Word | Description / Examples |
|---|---|
| exacerbate |
Utilized when describing a situation that is already bad and is being made even worse.
|
| worsen |
Appropriate for situations where things deteriorate or get worse, often used in a straightforward manner.
|
| aggravate |
Often used to describe making a bad situation worse, but can also refer to causing irritation or annoyance.
|
| intensify |
Used when something is being made more intense or stronger, commonly applied to emotions, actions, or conditions.
|
| provoke |
Usually means to stimulate a reaction or emotion, often anger or irritation.
|
| exaggerate |
Refers to making something seem larger, better, or worse than it actually is, often in a deceptive or dramatic way.
|
Examples of usage
- He exacerbated the situation by ignoring the warnings.
- The lack of resources only served to exacerbate the problem further.
- The new regulations are likely to exacerbate the existing issues.
- Her comments only served to exacerbate tensions between the two groups.
- His aggressive behavior tends to exacerbate conflicts rather than resolve them.
Interesting Facts
Etymology
- This word comes from the Latin 'exacerbare,' which means 'to make harsh or severe.'
- It combines 'ex-' meaning 'out' with 'acer' which means 'sharp' in Latin, suggesting an increase in intensity.
- The word has been used in English since the 15th century, primarily in medical and legal contexts.
Psychology
- Stressful situations often exacerbate mental health issues, leading to a cycle of worsening symptoms.
- Research shows that negative emotions can exacerbate physical health problems, highlighting the mind-body connection.
- Cognitive biases can exacerbate anxiety by distorting perception, making problems seem larger than they are.
Environmental Science
- Climate change can exacerbate natural disasters, leading to intensified storms and flooding.
- Deforestation exacerbates soil erosion, making land less fertile and more susceptible to environmental degradation.
- Pollution exacerbates public health issues, leading to increased rates of respiratory problems among affected communities.
Health
- Certain lifestyle choices, like smoking or poor diet, can exacerbate chronic diseases, making management more difficult.
- Infections in the body can exacerbate existing conditions, complicating treatment plans and recovery.
- Allergic reactions can be exacerbated by environmental triggers, leading to worse symptoms for individuals affected.
Pop Culture
- In films, characters facing a tough challenge often exacerbate their problems through bad decisions, leading to heightened drama.
- Television shows frequently depict how misunderstandings can exacerbate conflicts, making plots more compelling.
- Many songs relate themes of heartbreak that exacerbate emotions, resonating deeply with listeners.
Translations
Translations of the word "exacerbate" in other languages:
🇵🇹 agravar
🇮🇳 बिगाड़ना
🇩🇪 verschlimmern
🇮🇩 memperburuk
🇺🇦 загострювати
🇵🇱 zaostrzyć
🇯🇵 悪化させる
🇫🇷 aggraver
🇪🇸 agravar
🇹🇷 şiddetlendirmek
🇰🇷 악화시키다
🇸🇦 يزيد سوءا
🇨🇿 zhoršit
🇸🇰 zhoršiť
🇨🇳 加剧
🇸🇮 poslabšati
🇮🇸 versna
🇰🇿 нашарлау
🇬🇪 გართულება
🇦🇿 pisləşdirmək
🇲🇽 agravar