definition:to increase the severity, bitterness, or violence of (disease, ill feeling, etc.)

to aggravate, irritate, or exasperate

exacerbate : (verb)

exacerbatepronunciation:

ig-zas-er-beyt

exacerbatesynonyms:

intensifyinflameworsenprovokeirritateexasperate

exacerbateRELATED FORMS: adverb:

exacerbatingly noun:

exacerbation adjective:

exacerbated exacerbating

exacerbate

Eating bacon and egg sandwiches for breakfast each morning exacerbates cholesterol problems.

exacerbate

Spending too much money during the holidays can exacerbate feelings of stress.

exacerbated

The heavy rain exacerbated the already flooded streets.

exacerbating

The volcano shot searing hot plumes into the sky, exacerbating rescue and relief efforts.

exacerbatingA sedentary lifestyle can have an exacerbating effect on one’s health problems.

Acute asthma exacerbation is a very serious health problem that often requires 2-3 weeks of hospitalization.

exacerbation

The pressures of time can exacerbate feelings of anxiety.

exacerbate