exacerbate

/ɛɡzˈæsəbˌe‍ɪt/

/ɪɡˈzæsɝˌbeɪt/

to exacerbate

MAIN VERB

to escalate a bad condition, situation, or emotion

synonyms : aggravate

antonyms : better

exasperate or irritate

synonyms : aggravate

Examples

1. When it was accused of racism, sexism, anti-environmentalism, it reacted defensively, exacerbating the situation.

2. Harry wants more power and position at court than Edward is willing to give him and he chafes at the bit, which only exacerbates his dilema.

3. Also, race and gender and other forms of inequality can exacerbate income equality.

4. Class tensions exacerbated.