1. the act of making something worse or more severe
2. a period when symptoms of a disease or condition become worse
Usage: medical

Examples

• The loud noise caused an exacerbation of her headache.
• His rude comments led to an exacerbation of the conflict between the two groups.
• The patient experienced an exacerbation of her asthma symptoms during allergy season.
• The economic crisis resulted in an exacerbation of unemployment rates.
• Stress can cause an exacerbation of many chronic health conditions.
• The exacerbation of tensions between the countries worried diplomats.
• Her doctor adjusted her medication after the recent exacerbation of her arthritis.