Exacerbate Meaning in English
word
ɪɡˈzæsɝˌbeɪt
ig-ZASS-er-bayt
ɛɡzˈæsəbˌeɪt
eg-ZASS-uh-bayt
Definition
To make a problem, situation, or feeling worse or more intense.
Usage & Nuances
Formal and often found in academic, medical, or news contexts. Common with words like 'situation,' 'symptoms,' and 'conflict.' Not used for positive changes—always means making something worse.
Spanish: agravar - empeorarPortuguese (BR): agravar - piorarPortuguese (PT): agravar - piorarChinese (Simplified): 加剧 - 恶化Chinese (Traditional): 加劇 - 惡化Hindi: बढ़ा देना - बिगाड़ देनाArabic: يزيد سوءًا - يفاقمBengali: বাড়িয়ে তোলে - গুরুতর করে তোলেRussian: усугублять - обострятьJapanese: 悪化させるVietnamese: làm trầm trọng thêmKorean: 악화시키다Turkish: şiddetlendirmek - kötüleştirmekUrdu: بگارنا - مزید خراب کرناIndonesian: memperburuk
Example Sentences
The loud noise will exacerbate her headache.
basic
Stress can exacerbate heart problems.
basic
Pollution will exacerbate the situation in the city.
basic
Yelling at each other will only exacerbate the argument.
natural
If you ignore the problem, it could exacerbate over time.
natural
Sadly, their actions only served to exacerbate public anger.
natural