Exacerbate: make an existing problem worse
Exacerbate means to make an existing problem more severe. It comes from Latin exacerbare, meaning to make harsh or bitter. Leaving delivery boxes in an already narrow passage can exacerbate congestion because the boxes reduce the space available for people trying to pass through.
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Adding to an existing difficulty
Exacerbate is a verb meaning to worsen a problem or unpleasant situation. It comes from Latin exacerbare, meaning to make harsh or bitter, related to acerbus, meaning bitter or harsh.
The problem normally exists before the added factor. A passage is already crowded; boxes left along its sides exacerbate the congestion by narrowing the usable route.
Useful combinations include:
- Exacerbate a shortage.
- Exacerbate confusion.
- Exacerbate an existing problem.
Explain the connection when possible. Saying that a second, conflicting timetable exacerbated confusion shows both the added factor and its effect. Do not confuse exacerbate with exasperate, which usually means to irritate or frustrate a person intensely.