Exacerbate
/ɪɡˈzæs.ə.beɪt/noun
To make a problem, injury, or situation worse.
Did you know?Exacerbate comes from Latin acer, meaning “sharp” or “bitter,” the same ancient root behind words tied to intensity, edge, and piercing force.
Etymological Timeline
Proto-Indo-European
PIE
*h₂eḱ-
“sharp, pointed”
Latin
Latin
acer
“sharp, keen, bitter”
Latin
Latin
exacerbāre
“to make more bitter or harsh”
Late Middle English
English
exacerbate
“to make more severe or bitter”
Modern English
English
exacerbate
“to make a problem, injury, or situation worse”