verb
- to make a problem, bad situation, or negative feeling worse or more severe
Usage: formal
Examples
- The heavy rain exacerbated the flooding in the downtown area.
- His rude comments only exacerbated the tension between the two groups.
- The medication may exacerbate symptoms of depression in some patients.
- Budget cuts will exacerbate the school’s existing problems.
- The delay exacerbated her anxiety about the job interview.
- Poor communication exacerbated the conflict between management and workers.